Scaloni Tests New Blood as Messi Starts on the Bench Against Chile

Argentina will face Chile this Thursday in Santiago for the 15th round of the South American World Cup Qualifiers, and Lionel Messi won’t be in the starting lineup. According to TyC Sports, national team coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to use the opportunity to field a largely experimental team, with several younger or less familiar names taking center stage.

The likely starting eleven includes Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in goal, with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, and Nicolás Tagliafico forming the backline. In midfield, Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, and Nicolás Paz are expected to feature, while Julián Álvarez will lead the attack.

Although Messi returns to the squad after a brief absence, he’ll begin the match on the bench. His appearance is being reserved for the second half, a move that reflects both his physical management and the coaching staff’s broader plan to gradually introduce generational changes.

With Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni has more freedom to experiment and assess future prospects. The match, set to kick off at 10:00 p.m. local time in Argentina (9:00 p.m. in Chile) at the Estadio Nacional, is a chance for emerging talents to stake their claim on the international stage.

As Argentina blends youth with experience and holds Messi in reserve, the clash against Chile could mark a quiet but pivotal shift in the Albiceleste's evolution. Will this be the match where the new wave begins to take shape?