Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Messi to start for Argentina in World Cup send-off, says coach Scaloni
Gulf Today
|April 01, 2026
Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in a friendly against Zambia on Wedesday in what is the reigning world champions’ final game on home soil before they defend their World Cup crown.
-
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi, who began on the bench for Friday's lacklustre 2-1 win over Mauritania, will spearhead what is expected to be a full-strength side against Zambia.
“Messi will be in the starting lineup tomorrow,” Scaloni said.
Messi, 38, has not formally confirmed he plans to play in the World Cup but played a full part in Argentina's qualification campaign for the finals.
Scaloni indicated that he expects Messi to be part of his squad for what would be the eight-time Ballon D'Or winners’ sixth World Cup appearance.
This story is from the April 01, 2026 edition of Gulf Today.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Gulf Today
Gulf Today
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen returns to his home with new exhibition
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen is one of New Jersey's most famous native sons, and the Garden State is honouring The Boss with a new museum that celebrates his legacy and the history of American music.
3 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Kerala CM launches free bus service for women
In a momentous move to promote women's empowerment and inclusivity, the Kerala government has officially launched its ambitious flagship ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme.
1 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Britain bans social media for under-16 children
Children under 16 will be banned from using social media in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday, saying such platforms were making youngsters “unhappy.”
2 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Tara Sutaria debunks the myth that actresses don't eat with her latest post
Tara Sutaria debunked the common myth that “actresses don't eat” and starve themselves in order to maintain that picture-perfect figure with her latest post on social media.
2 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
First locally sourced gemstone unveiled in Sharjah
The 37th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show has witnessed the launch of the first locally sourced Emirati gemstone by the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform.
1 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Time to end Labour uncertainty in Makerfield
On Thursday, voters in what has long been one of the safest Labour seats in the country will be going to the polls to decide not only who becomes their next MP, but potentially the fate of the prime minister and thus of the country.
2 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Kamada credits Glasner for his Japan turnaround
Daichi Kamada credited former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner for an international renaissance that has seen the midfielder fulfil a lifelong ambition and become a vital cog in a Japan side determined to make a major impact at the World Cup.
2 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
France players rally around Mbappe ahead of clash against Senegal
Kylian Mbappe heads into France's World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday with questions swirling around him after a season that has left the country’s biggest football star under immense pressure.
1 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
Stocks leap, oil prices drop on US-Iran tentative deal
Stock markets are rallying worldwide on Monday, and oil prices are easing after the United States and Iran reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to get the global flow of crude going again.
3 mins
June 16, 2026
Gulf Today
2 pilots killed in PAF trainer jet crash near Mardan
A trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed near Mardan city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Monday, resulting in the death of both pilots onboard the aircraft.
1 mins
June 16, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size