Messi returns to Argentina squad for final World Cup qualifiers
Messi, who had been sidelined with an injury while playing for Inter Miami, has made a strong comeback.
KATHMANDU: Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been recalled to the national team for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.
Messi, who had been sidelined with an injury while playing for Inter Miami, has made a strong comeback.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner returned to top form with a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 3–1 victory over LA Galaxy, proving his fitness ahead of international duty.
Argentina have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has named a powerful 31-man squad with the aim of finishing the qualifying campaign in style.
The squad includes three exciting youngsters receiving their first call-ups: Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), and Nico Paz (Como).
Notably absent are Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), suspended due to a red card, and Alejandro Garnacho, who has been training away from Manchester United’s first team and is reportedly in transfer talks with Chelsea.
Messi featured only briefly in Argentina’s June fixtures, but now fully fit, he is set to lead the world champions once again.
