Messi entered the field in the second half, but Argentina still won.

Messi is 100% healthy, but why is he on the bench?

According to journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, this is an agreement between Messi and coach Scaloni, to help the famous player rest after a month of continuous and stressful competition at Inter Miami, especially when the Club World Cup is about to take place. Messi is scheduled to play only in the second half and start the match against Colombia at home at 7am on June 11.

Messi entered the field in the second half, but Argentina still won - Photo 1.

Messi happily sat on the bench watching his juniors play.

Photo: Reuters

Messi sat on the bench, happily watching his juniors like Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone shoulder their roles in attack.

Despite the turmoil, Argentina, playing away from home, were still a far superior team to Chile in every aspect. The home side still relied heavily on veteran stars who were on the other side of their careers, such as Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, who are 36 and 38 years old respectively.

The Chilean team with its aging faces and the next generation that has not yet stood out, cannot compare with a young Argentina team with stars that are being carefully prepared to replace the roles of Messi and his veteran teammates in the next 1-2 years.

Among them, striker Giuliano Simeone (22 years old), son of coach Simeone at Atletico Madrid Club, is the most active and outstanding player in the attack of the Argentine team. Giuliano Simeone, Almada (24 years old) combined with Alvarez (25 years old) to form a new, very sharp attacking trio of Albiceleste, on a day when the remaining striker Lautaro Martinez was also on the bench like Messi.

A beautiful combination between these players in the 16th minute helped Alvarez score the only goal of the match, bringing an easy victory for the Argentina team to maintain a winning streak of 4 consecutive matches recently in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the South American region.

Messi entered the field in the second half, but Argentina still won - Photo 2.

Messi returns to play for Argentina after months of absence. This is his preparation for the 2026 World Cup

Photo: Reuters

Coach Scaloni sent Messi onto the field in the second half to replace his junior Nico Paz (only 20 years old) in the 57th minute. He also brought on 17-year-old player Franco Mastantuono to make his debut for the national team.

However, this can be said to be Messi's return to the Argentina team after many months of absence. Thereby, helping him prepare for his 6th World Cup in his career next summer.

The 37-year-old player immediately created opportunities for his teammates when he entered the field, he also tried his hand at free kicks and tried to find a goal himself. But he could not get past the Chilean defense. The Chilean team also tried very hard to find an equalizer, but the defense and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez played too focused to prevent any opportunities.

Argentina have already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, and this win only helps them maintain their top spot in the South American qualifying standings with 34 points. Chile, meanwhile, have no chance of qualifying directly, and their only hope is to compete in the remaining three rounds for a ticket to the intercontinental play-off round.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-vao-san-hiep-2-doi-tuyen-argentina-van-toan-thang-185250606101718751.htm