Lionel Messi returns to Argentina squad for the first time since injury

Argentina has revealed their team for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia and Venezuela. Lionel Messi, who hasn't played for his country since lifting the Copa América 2024 in July, is making his much anticipated comeback.

The MLS player had to leave the game in the second half due to an ankle ligament ailment that he sustained throughout the match. However, goalie Emiliano Martínez is not playing since FIFA suspended him for making an "inappropriate gesture" that was captured on camera.

With the end of the MLS regular campaign rapidly approaching, the MLS Cup playoffs will soon take place. Although Inter Miami is anticipated to win the Supporters' Shield in the near future, everyone in the vicinity of Chase Stadium will be focused on the MLS Cup playoffs. 

Lionel Messi returned for the game Herons lately, and they are hoping he will be fully healthy for the playoffs. But first, the Argentina national team might very well lose Messi. During the October international break, the 37-year-old teamed up with his international colleagues.

“Leo is going to get better and better” : Tata Martino

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino spoke to the media about Lionel Messi’s involvement with Argentina. He said, “In addition to the games with us, he has the games with the Argentinian national team. Leo is going to get better and better as he adds 90 minutes.”

He said, “Obviously, Leo does not need to do differentiated physical work in training. But he needs a rhythm of competition, which gives me the idea that he is going to reach the playoffs very well because in addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team. So we have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good shape.”

Last month, Lionel Scaloni had said that they were hoping that their captain comes back to the national team after injury. He said, “We hope he starts to play. When we give the next list [in October], we will be in contact with him as we do with everyone. Then we will see if he is available to return.”