Lionel Scaloni provides fresh update on Lionel Messi's return from injury

Since hurting his ankle during the Copa America final victory over Colombia in July, Lionel Messi has not appeared in a game for his nation. Following a three-month hiatus due to the injury, he made a spectacular comeback to the field and is now scheduled to don the national team colors once more for Argentina's next World Cup qualifying matches against Bolivia and Venezuela. Alexis Mac Allister, though, is questionable following an injury he sustained against Crystal Palace.

Argentina's most vital player, Messi, is still only 37 years old. His absence was noticeable in their most recent game, a 2-1 setback to Colombia earlier this month that reduced their lead in the 2026 World Cup qualification rankings to less than two points. Messi's return for the next games is a huge boost for the Albiceleste, even though there's no worry of missing the competition in North America.

“He is fit and will be part of the team” : Lionel Scaloni 

Since making his Inter Miami comeback last month, Messi has not skipped a beat, tallying five goals over six games and garnering a nomination to win the MLS MVP trophy. During the pre-match press conference, Lionel Scaloni said, "Leo is fine. He played several games before coming here. That's what he needed. He is fit and will be part of the team."

The 2022 World Cup winning manager also spoke on Alexis Mac Allister’s injury, "He is training separately. We'll see if he makes it to the first game. For now, he hasn't been able to join us, and, well, we'll make the decision if he's part of the squad or on the bench or if he plays on Thursday. But it's difficult for him to make it today. I think we have to take care of him. He's a guy who has a lot of games under his belt and that's the situation today. We hope we don't lose any more players because the situation can change later."