Messi, the team’s focal point against Mauritania
The world champion is preparing to face Mauritania at La Bombonera, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi. The Argentine “10” surprised everyone by training at a very high level, and everything points to him being in the starting XI of Lionel Scaloni.
The coach’s idea is clear: give Messi minutes to help him regain rhythm alongside his teammates. That’s why he plans to use an alternative lineup, with Leo as the team’s focal point, aiming for the rest of the players to adapt to his tempo, movements, and understanding of the game.
A solid core built around Messi
In training, Scaloni is already shaping the backbone of the team that will support Messi. There are names that seem untouchable: Nahuel Molina, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Julián Álvarez.
The objective is to surround Messi with players who can support him in every phase of play. In defense and recovery, with players like Romero, Enzo, and Mac Allister; and in attack, with the presence of Julián Álvarez. Everything revolves around “La Pulga.”
Youth and load management in Scaloni’s plan
To boost creativity, the coach will also give opportunities to young talents like Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni, who will share attacking responsibilities with Messi. Scaloni is clear: his team must learn to play with Leo, understand him, and maximize his potential so he can deliver his best version.
However, there is also a load management plan in place. It is unlikely that Messi will play the full 90 minutes against Mauritania. The intention is to avoid overload and reduce injury risk, while also evaluating how the team performs without him on the field, testing tactical variations and solutions in his absence.
Scaloni wants answers.
He needs to see everyone in action to begin building the title defense.
