Scaloni addresses Messi relationship and media reports that angered him

Argentina's national football team coach, Lionel Scaloni, has voiced his displeasure with media reports that he claims have distorted his statements regarding Lionel Messi's role in team selection. Scaloni emphasized that he alone is responsible for choosing the squad, pushing back against suggestions that Messi has undue influence.

"The other day I was asked about him, about his presence in the World Cup, and they twisted the answer in the media abroad. In one medium in particular," Scaloni stated. "I didn't like it, it bothered me. If you can take that article down, you'd do me a big favor. Messi doesn't pick the team... I'm not going to do something he doesn't want, but I pick the team."

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I didn't like it, it bothered me. If you can take that article down, you'd do me a big favor. Messi doesn't pick the team... I'm not going to do something he doesn't want, but I pick the team.

Scaloni's comments came as Argentina prepares for its final World Cup warm-up match against Iceland. He confirmed that Messi is expected to play, although the exact duration of his involvement is still under discussion. "Messi is going to play, I don't know how many minutes, I have to talk to him yet. The idea is that he doesn't take risks, but in principle, he will have minutes," the coach said.

The coach also provided an update on the fitness of several players, including Molina, Montiel, and Paz, stating they are available for the match. He noted the team's depth at right-back, allowing for strategic decisions. Scaloni also touched upon the team's objective of successfully defending their World Cup title, a feat Argentina has never achieved before, while also keeping an eye on future prospects.

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Messi is going to play, I don't know how many minutes, I have to talk to him yet. The idea is that he doesn't take risks, but in principle, he will have minutes.