Lionel Messi rejoined Argentina’s national team the first time on Sunday, following a seven-month international absence, to prepare for this month’s FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The last time Messi played for his country was in November 2024. The World Cup winning captain missed the Albiceleste’s matches in March due to a muscle problem, but is now back in good form.
The 37-year-old striker was named Major League Soccer (MLS) Player of the Week after recording a brace and three assists in Inter Miami’s 5-1 win over Columbus Crew this past weekend.
Argentina have already booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the leaders in the South American section with 31 points, eight more than second-placed Ecuador, after 14 games.
The Argentinians will visit Santiago to play Chile on Thursday without Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, or Leandro Paredes.After competing for Inter Milan in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, Lautaro Martinez won’t join the squad until Wednesday. He is expected to be available when Argentina host Colombia in Buenos Aires next Tuesday.
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