MIAMI - Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Thursday he was still unsure if captain Lionel Messi would play in the Albiceleste's friendly against Venezuela.

Scaloni said that despite being fit, Messi could be rested for Friday's clash at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium to give opportunities to other players.

"We've spoken with him but we haven't decided on the team yet," Scaloni told reporters. "These matches give us a chance to try things and observe, but we'll talk with him and decide today. I'd like to test different options because that's what these games are for."

Argentine media reported that Messi might instead feature for Inter Miami in its home MLS clash with Atlanta United on Saturday.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has spoken of his desire to help his club to its first MLS title, having finished with the league's best regular-season record last year before being eliminated in the playoffs.

"I'll speak with him this afternoon and then we'll decide," Scaloni said when asked whether he could prioritize playing for the Florida side. "I don't have much more to say. We'll wait and see."

Argentina's squad includes three uncapped players: River Plate defender Lautaro Rivero, Racing goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses and Palmeiras midfielder Anibal Moreno.

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Scaloni challenged his players to capitalize on their opportunity as they seek a place in the Albiceleste's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"The main idea is to keep playing as a team," the 47-year-old said. "The final list won't be decided until the end. We already have many spots filled. They [new players] will have to earn their place in these games. Whoever plays needs to show they belong."

After playing Venezuela, Argentina will meet Puerto Rico in another friendly in Fort Lauderdale.