Lionel Messi’s Role vs Chile Raises Eyebrows Before Kickoff

Lionel Messi to be benched vs Chile

According to Gaston Edul from TYC Sports, Lionel Messi will not be in the starting lineup against Chile. Messi being benched does not mean that he is injured.

Edul confirms that Messi is not injured and has been training regularly with the rest of the Argentina national team. The number 10 may feature in today's match against Chile, but only in the second half.

According to Edul, Messi being benched for this game was a mutual decision between the player and Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni. This is due to Messi's busy schedule this month. 

Who Will Start Instead of Lionel Messi?

Argentina may not have Messi from the start of the game against Chile, but they will count on Julian Alvarez. Scaloni will likely play a 4-4-2 with Alvarez up top next to Nico Paz, the exciting talent from Como in Italy. 

The midfield is set to be Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, and Thiago Almada. 

The defenders could be Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero as captain, Leonardo Balerdi, and Nicolás Tagliafico. The goalkeeper will be Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez.

Lionel Messi Starting for Argentina Next Week

Despite reports suggesting Messi not starting for Argentina today against Chile, the Inter Miami star is set to start in Argentina's next game, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10.

After the game against Chile tonight, Argentina will take on Colombia at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi may not play the full 90 minutes next week as well due to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami.

Argentina is first in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification table, which has already secured their spot in the World Cup next year after 14 games played out of 18. 

After these two games this week, Argentina will play their last two scheduled World Cup qualification matches against Venezuela and Ecuador in September.