Messi Returns to the Argentinian National Team
After a seven-month absence from the international arena, Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentine National Team, rejoined the national team’s training sessions this Monday. The preparation focuses on the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches, where Argentina will face Chile and Colombia.
The last time Messi represented the current world champions was in November 2024. A muscle injury kept him out of the double matchday in March, a period in which the team led by Lionel Scaloni secured their qualification for the next World Cup.
Messi arrived at the training ground that bears his name, located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, for his first practice with the ‘Albiceleste’. His return coincides with an extraordinary moment of form with Inter Miami CF.
On Monday, Messi was named MLS Player of the Week for the second consecutive time, following his involvement in Inter Miami’s five goals in the 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew last Saturday.
Argentina, which currently leads the CONMEBOL standings with 31 points, will face Chile away on Thursday, before hosting Colombia at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.In addition to Messi’s return, the current call-up includes three new additions, all of them debutants with the Argentinian national team.
- Kevin Lomónaco (Independent)
- Mariano Troilo (Belgrano)
- Franco Mastantuono (River Plate), 17 years old, who has aroused great interest in important European clubs.
Nicolás Otamendi is suspended, and the possible replacements to accompany Cristian Romero in the center of the defense include Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille) and Facundo Medina (Lens).
Furthermore, the Argentine midfield will undergo significant changes. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) is injured, while Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Leandro Paredes (AS Roma) are suspended for one match due to the accumulation of yellow cards.Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez is expected to join the national team on Wednesday, following his club’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last Saturday. He is not expected to be available for Thursday’s match.
