Lionel Messi Makes Inspiring Comeback to Argentina's Squad for Key World Cup Qualifiers After Injury

Although Lionel Messi suffered an ankle injury in the Copa America 2024 final versus Colombia, many felt that his career with Argentina was finished. He has, however, returned stylishly for Inter Miami and is now ready to represent his nation once again. Messi's perseverance and will on the pitch have rekindled enthusiasm and expectation for his future performances thanks to his quick recovery and desire to wear the national shirt.

Also Read: 'Honour to have met': Chris Gayle Meets PM Modi During Jamaican PM Andrew Holness' Visit to India

Lionel Messi returns to Argentina’s squad for the next international break 

Lionel Messi will return to Argentina's national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.

The 37-year-old star had missed recent matches because of an ankle injury.

Coach Lionel Scaloni announced his squad Wednesday for the matches at Venezuela on Oct. 10 and five days later in Buenos Aires against Bolivia.

Messi did not play the two previous rounds after sustaining an injury in the Copa America final against Colombia. Argentina won 1-0 .

Argentina leads South American qualifying with 18 points, followed by Colombia (16) and Uruguay (15). The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the seventh position will play an international playoff for a berth.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Germán Pezzella (River Plate), Marcos Acuña (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Nicolás Paz (Como), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Valentín Carboni (Olympique Marseille)

Strikers: Thiago Almada (Botafogo), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás González (Juventus), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Julián Álvarez (Atletico Madrid), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

(With AP inputs)