OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi named in Argentina squad for October international fixtures
Lionel Messi is finally set to don Argentina’s iconic blue and white jersey again during the October international break. Lionel Scaloni has included the Inter Miami star in his 27-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
Messi was sidelined for several months after suffering a ligament injury to his right ankle during Argentina’s Copa America final against Colombia. Despite the absence of their influential captain, La Albiceleste secured the trophy thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time.
Following the injury, Messi was out of action for over two months and missed Argentina’s qualifying matches during the international break in September. The team won 3-0 against Chile but struggled without Messi in the next game, losing 2-1 to Colombia.
The former Barcelona star returned to action after the break and has since been in exquisite form for his club, Inter Miami. In four appearances so far, Messi has scored three goals and provided one assist, while helping Miami extend their lead at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference by eight points.
Now fully fit and firing, Messi has been named in Scaloni’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers, where he will once again wear the captain’s armband. His return is a significant boost for the country, although they currently sit at the top of the qualifying standings with 18 points, two ahead of Colombia and three ahead of Uruguay.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino confident Argentina games will benefit Lionel Messi
Tata Martino was undoubtedly a happy man when he saw Lionel Messi return to action last month. Since Messi’s return, Inter Miami have remained unbeaten in their last four games and are on track to end the season with the Supporters’ Shield title.
However, after the regular season, the focus will shift to the MLS Cup, which begins on October 26. Martino’s attention will be fully on that, and he believes that Messi playing more games will only help him build fitness and rhythm ahead of the crucial playoff rounds.
"Leo is going to get better and better as he adds 90 minutes. 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. We have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good shape.” Martino said (via Hindustan Times)
Messi will first play in the MLS against Columbus on Tuesday, October 2, before departing to represent his country. Tata Martino will be hoping he returns fully fit in time for the MLS Cup playoff games.