Lo Celso returns from Argentina after 11 minutes in Messi's farewell

At the Monumental, under the ovation that accompanied Lionel Messi's farewell, the Argentinian midfielder Giovani Lo Celso came on in the 79th minute, with Argentina already 3-0 up. It was his only appearance in the international window, accumulating 11 minutes without goals, assists or clear chances, and he returned to Spain with no known physical problems.

Limited playing time and recent decisions

In LaLiga, Lo Celso has logged barely six official minutes this season, a figure that contrasts with his rejection, two months ago, of offers from Saudi Arabia and Mexico to stay at Betis and fight for the Champions League. According to Diario Deportivo, the player preferred European competition to any move, although the summer was marked by physical problems that limited his availability.

The national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, did not call him up for the matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, using them to observe other players. His only call‑up was for Messi's farewell friendly, where he replaced Alexis Mac Allister and was positioned as a left‑inverted midfielder in a low‑tempo segment.

Manuel Pellegrini's outlook for the clash against Osasuna

Manuel Pellegrini has no reason to hold him back due to fatigue, as the accumulated load is minimal. The coach has indicated that Lo Celso is available for the match against Osasuna, scheduled for Sunday at 18:30, although a starting place is still far from guaranteed.

In the midfield rotation, Isco, Pablo Fornals and Dani Ceballos are ahead, which raises the risk that Lo Celso starts on the bench. Pellegrini seems inclined to bring him on in the second half, allowing him to gain rhythm without bearing the weight of the match.

Sunday's XI will decide whether the Argentinian receives minutes from the start or if his progressive reintegration is maintained, prioritising the consistency of his performances in the league and in Betis's Champions League.