Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

Messi set to start for Argentina in first game since World Cup

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will start for the Albiceleste for the first time since elimination from the 2018 World Cup.

Messi last played for his nation in their 4-3 last-16 defeat in Russia at the hands of France, who went on to win the trophy.

That loss marked the end for Scaloni's predecessor Jorge Sampaoli as well as former captain Javier Mascherano, who retired from international football at the final whistle.

Editors' Picks

A host of senior players such as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain have also been missing for the last nine months, but no player's absence has been felt as keenly as Messi's, who went on international sabbatical.