Lionel Messi is back in Argentina’s national football squad as the team prepares for its upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed the 37-year-old captain’s return on Thursday, bringing a boost of experience and leadership to the Albiceleste lineup.
Messi had missed Argentina’s qualifiers in March against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury. Since then, he has returned to full fitness and resumed playing for his club side, Inter Miami, where he has been in fine form. His comeback is seen as vital, as Argentina looks to maintain its lead in the South American qualifying standings.
Manager Lionel Scaloni also reinstated young talents Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United and Valentin Barco of Strasbourg, both of whom were not selected for the previous round of qualifiers. Their inclusion signals a blend of youth and experience for the remaining qualification fixtures.
However, notable absentees from the 28-man preliminary squad include Paulo Dybala of Roma and River Plate defenders Marcos Acuña and Germán Pezzella. Their exclusion has raised eyebrows, but Scaloni appears focused on tactical balance and current form heading into the final stretch of qualifiers.
Argentina is scheduled to play Chile in Santiago on June 5, followed by a home game against Colombia in Buenos Aires on June 10. With Messi back in the squad, fans are hopeful the team will continue its dominant run.
The reigning World Cup and Copa América champions currently top the South American World Cup qualifying group with 31 points from 14 games. The top six teams in the 10-nation group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The seventh-placed team will earn a spot in an intercontinental playoff.
With Messi’s return, expectations are high. His leadership, experience, and unmatched skill could be the key to securing Argentina’s spot in next year’s tournament and continuing their reign in world football. Messi’s presence alone is expected to energize both the squad and fans as Argentina looks to seal qualification in style.