After a seven-month hiatus from worldwide obligation, Argentina captain Lionel Messi rejoined his nationwide squad for coaching on Monday, in preparation for his or her upcoming Conmebol World Cup qualifying matches in opposition to Chile and Colombia.
Messi, 37, final represented the reigning World Cup champions in November 2024.
A muscle damage subsequently sidelined him from the March doubleheader, a interval throughout which Lionel Scaloni’s crew efficiently secured their qualification for the following World Cup.
Messi arrived on the coaching advanced named in his honor outdoors Buenos Aires for his first apply with the ‘Albiceleste’ in a rare run of kind with Inter Miami CF.
On Monday, he was named the MLS Participant of the Week for second time in a row, after his involvement in all 5 of Miami’s objectives throughout their 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew final Saturday.
Argentina, presently main the Conmebol standings with 31 factors, is ready to face Chile away on Thursday earlier than internet hosting Colombia on the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The present squad options three additions alongside Messi’s return, all making their Argentina debuts.
Defenders Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente) and Mariano Troilo (Belgrano), and 17-year-old ahead Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, who has already garnered vital curiosity from distinguished European golf equipment, obtained their first call-up for the nationwide crew.
Scaloni faces some key selections on his beginning lineup resulting from quite a few key gamers being sidelined by accidents and suspensions.
Benfica defender Nicolás Otamendi is suspended and the potential replacements to accomplice with Tottenham’s Cristian Romero within the heart of the protection embody Olympique Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi and Lens’ Facundo Medina.
Moreover, Argentina’s midfield will see substantial adjustments with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister sidelined with an damage, whereas Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and AS Roma’s Leandro Paredes are suspended for one match resulting from gathered yellow playing cards.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez is anticipated to hitch the nationwide crew on Wednesday, following his membership’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League closing final Saturday. He is not anticipated to be accessible for Thursday’s match.
The Related Press contributed to this report.