Argentina Set to Field Strong Side vs Angola as Scaloni Weighs Messi Minutes and Goalkeeper Switch
Story: written by Daniel November 14,2025
Lionel Messi is expected to be included in Argentina’s starting lineup for Friday’s friendly match against Angola, even as he balances preparations for Inter Miami’s MLS playoff campaign.
The football icon made waves earlier in the week with a surprise stop at the newly refurbished Camp Nou before joining the national team in Alicante for training. Fresh off scoring twice and delivering an assist in Inter Miami’s vital playoff win over Nashville, the 38-year-old arrives in camp full of confidence.
Despite the looming MLS Eastern Conference final against FC Cincinnati, Messi is still poised to feature from the start in Argentina’s warm-up game.
He may be partnered in attack by Lautaro Martínez, who enters the fixture in strong form after scoring in consecutive matches for Inter Milan. Nico Paz and Thiago Almada are options out wide, while Alexis Mac Allister and Giovani Lo Celso are likely candidates for central midfield roles.
At the back, Juan Foyth returns after missing October’s internationals and is expected to start at right-back. Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi should anchor the centre of defence, with Nicolás Tagliafico on the left.
With first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez rested, Lionel Scaloni is set to hand Marseille’s Gerónimo Rulli a rare opportunity between the posts—his first appearance since October 2024—ahead of Walter Benítez.
Argentina will be without Enzo Fernández due to a knee issue, while Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone withdrew after failing to complete Angola’s mandatory yellow-fever vaccination process.
Predicted Argentina XI:
Rulli; Foyth, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Paz, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Almada; Messi, Martíne
