Will Lionel Messi feature for Argentina in friendly against Angola? Lionel Scaloni provides update

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on superstar forward Lionel Messi's availability for his side's upcoming international friendly against Angola.

The talismanic attacker is La Albiceleste's all-time top goalscorer (114), assister (60) and appearance maker (195). As the nation's captain, he has led them to two Copa America titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, winning countless awards and braking numerous records along the way.

Despite having turned 38 earlier this year, Messi is still pautting up videogame-like numbers in terms of goals and assists. Playing for MLS side Inter Miami, he has racked up 37 goals and 19 assists in 39 games across all competitions.

While injuries have weighed down on him in recent years, fans are still hopeful that the Argentine maestro can stay fit to help the nation defend their World Cup title next year. Having qualified for the tournament atop the South American qualifier standings, Argentina have continued their great form, defeating Venezuela (1-0) and Puerto Rico (6-0) in subsequent friendly fixtures.

At a recent press conference, Scaloni revealed that Messi will start the fixture against Angola. However, the 47-year-old couldn't guarantee that his compatriot will remain on the field for the full 90 minutes, saying (via RPP):

"Messi will play, I don't know for how many minutes, he'll be in the starting lineup, for sure, people will be able to see him."

Argentina will take on Angola at the Estadio Nacional 11 de Novembro on Friday (November 14).

Argentina captain Lionel Messi makes choice between winning another Ballon d'Or or World Cup title

Legendary forward Lionel Messi has revealed that he would love to win another World Cup title over another Ballon d'Or title.

The 38-year-old is widely considered as one of the best players in football history. He has won a record eight Ballon d'Or titles (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) during the course of his career.

He came within inches of winning the World Cup in 2014, losing the final 1-0 to Germany in extra time. Eight years later, he took care of the unfinished business by captaining his side to the title in the 2022 edition.

Messi is one of just three footballers to have won both the Ballon d'Or and World Cup titles, alongside Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazario and German legend Franz Beckenbauer. In a recent interview with 433, he was asked to choose between winning another Ballon d'Or title or another World Cup title.

The Inter Miami forward simply replied (via @433 on Instagram):

"Another World Cup."

Having topped the South American qualifier table, Argentina have already secured a ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their group-stage opponents will be revealed at the draw which is scheduled to take place on December 5.