Argentina have realized to deal with Lionel Messi’s absences and now not must rejig the lineup when the Inter Miami ahead isn’t accessible, supervisor Lionel Scaloni stated forward of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier in opposition to Colombia.
Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has scored 112 targets in 192 appearances for Argentina, successful the World Cup in 2022, two Copa América titles and a gold medal on the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 37-year-old captain missed Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay and 4-1 thrashing of rivals Brazil in March on account of damage, with Scaloni’s facet securing their place on the 2026 World Cup throughout that worldwide break.
He returned to the squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers and made a substitute look in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile final week.
“The staff is now in a second the place it could possibly play in the identical approach with Leo [Messi] or with out Leo, which was extra advanced previously as we needed to change some gamers,” Scaloni instructed reporters forward of the match in Buenos Aires.
“However now we do not have this necessity and the staff works in the identical approach, that is good.”
Whereas Argentina have already certified for the World Cup in North America, Colombia are within the sixth and closing automated qualification spot and might be trying to put far between themselves and seventh-placed Venezuela with a win.
Colombia beat Argentina 2-1 when the perimeters final met within the World Cup qualifiers in September.
“It is a terrific staff, and with nice gamers, and it has a transparent fashion that may put you in bother,” Scaloni stated.
“We have analysed it, we have proven the gamers their strengths and what we need to make the most of. It should be a pleasant recreation, particularly as a result of we play at house, so it is good for our individuals to see the gamers.”
