Lionel Messi was appointed in the Argentine preliminary group for the next month 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, the Argentine Football Association announced on Thursday.
The 37 -year -old attacker returns to an international duty after missing the Double Beledeader for the Aduktor injury. Despite her absence, Argentina ensured qualifications for the World Championship in 2026 with victory back to Uruguay and Brazil.
The champions will face the Chile Away 5. June before hosting Colombia in Buenos Aires 10. After qualifications, Messi is expected to return to the club event with Inter Miami in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup. The MLS Party will accept the Egyptian club Al Ahla 14. June in Miami.
Manchester United Winger Alejandro Garnacho was also included in a 28 -member group because it was omitted for tactical reasons from recent matches. The return of a 19 -year -old man comes at a time when Lionel Scalona’s head coach is expected to turn his team with the eye of experience and youth.
The scallons will be without a few key players for a clash against Chile. Defender Nicols Otamendi and Midfielders Enzo Fernndez and Leandro ParEDes are suspended, but remain part of the group and could return to the match against Colombia.
Paulo Dybal and Gonzalo Montiel missed due to injury, while defenders Marcos Acuna and Germn Pezzella were not selected.
Argentina, which is assured of the place at the World Championship in 2026, will use the last rounds of qualifications to fine -tune products before the summer Copa America and a long way to defend the title in North America.
Argentina’s preliminary group
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martnez (Aston Villa), Gernimo Ruli (Olympique de Marseille and Walter Bentez (PSV).
Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atltico de Madrid), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Ballelerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Nicols Otamendi (Benfica), Fundo Medina (Lens), Nicols Tagliafico (Lyon) and Valent).
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Leandro Paredes (Rome), Nicols Domnguez (Nottingham Forest), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo de Paul (Atltico de Madrid), Thiago Almad (Olympique de Lyon) Enzol (Chell), enzols), enzols (Chels), Enzols (Chelis), Giovani Lo Celso), Enzols (Chelson), Giovani Lo Celso), Giovani Lo Celso), Giovani Lo Celso), Giovani Lo Celso), Giovani. Peace (how).
Forward: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Julin Alvarez (Athletic of Madrid), Lautaro MartNez (Inter), Valentn Castellanos (Lazio), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicols Gonzlez (Fiorena) Giuliano (Atlectico de Madrid).
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
May 15, 2025
