🇦🇷With the return of Messi, Argentina is preparing for the World Cup qualifiers

Credit AFA
After an involuntary seven-month break, star player Lionel Messi returned to training on Monday with world champions Argentina ahead of their South American qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia.

Messi, 37, played his last game for the Albiceleste in November 2024. A muscle injury prevented him from playing in March's doubleheader, in which Lionel Scaloni's team secured their place in the next World Cup.

The number 10 returns to the country in good form. He was named MLS Player of the Week for his contribution of two goals and three assists in the 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew.

Argentina, who lead the standings with 31 points, visit Chile on Thursday and then host Colombia at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

In addition to Messi's return, Argentina showed three new faces in local soccer in its first training session: defenders Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente) and Mariano Troilo (Belgrano) and forward Franco Mastantuono, the 17-year-old gem from River Plate who has already attracted the attention of major European clubs.

In the remaining training sessions before the first match, Scaloni will have to decide on a replacement for Nicolás Otamendi (suspended) in central defence to play alongside Cristian Romero. Leonardo Balerdi and Facundo Medina are vying for the spot.

Between suspensions and injuries, Argentina will visit Chile with a new midfield. Alexis Mac Allister has been ruled out due to injury, while Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes will have to sit out one game due to accumulated yellow cards. Rodrigo De Paul, a fixture in the lineup, Giovanni Lo Celso, and Exequiel Palacios will occupy the midfield.

Meanwhile, striker Lautaro Martínez will not join the team until Wednesday after Argentina's 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.

Видео 🇦🇷With the return of Messi, Argentina is preparing for the World Cup qualifiers канала CGTN Sports Scene