Sofia Quijada
BUENOS AIRES, May 16 – Lionel Messi is back. The iconic forward has been named in Argentina’s 28-player preliminary squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. This announcement follows Messi’s recovery from a groin injury that sidelined him during March’s double-header against Uruguay and Brazil.
Argentina Already Qualified, But Momentum Matters
Even in the absence of their talisman, Argentina continued their dominant run. A narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay was followed by a statement 4-1 thrashing of Brazil. These results secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, reaffirming their status as defending champions with depth across the pitch.
Messi’s Statement and Current Form
In March, Messi expressed his disappointment via Instagram: “It’s a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team… a not-so-serious injury that forces me to rest for a while before returning to play kept me out.”
Since returning to club football, Messi has looked sharp, notching six goals in all competitions for Inter Miami. His club will also feature in the Club World Cup, beginning June 14 — just four days after Argentina face Colombia.
New Faces and Surprise Inclusions
- Nicolas Dominguez – The Nottingham Forest midfielder returns to the national setup for the first time since 2021.
- Valentin Barco & Valentin Castellanos – Both players are back in the squad after brief absences, offering fresh attacking and defensive options.
What This Means for Argentina Fans and Bettors
With Messi back in the squad and Argentina hitting form, expectations are high for another dominant performance. Bettors should keep an eye on Messi’s match fitness and potential minutes, especially with his tight schedule between national duty and club commitments.
Additionally, the return of Dominguez and the youth injection from Barco and Castellanos could provide value picks in fantasy leagues and player performance markets.
Get Ready for Kick-Off
Argentina face Chile and Colombia in June, with eyes not just on results, but on refining their lineup for the bigger stage in 2026. For fans and punters alike, now’s the time to analyze squad depth, potential lineups, and tactical adjustments by coach Lionel Scaloni.
Ready to make your predictions? Dive into the odds, explore matchday betting markets, and stay tuned for tactical breakdowns ahead of June’s fixtures!