Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful star Lionel Messi will be fit to return for the next international break.
Messi was not call up to Argentina’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the South American zone due to an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last eight games for Inter Miami in the US Major League Soccer.
The 37-year-old played for the Albiceleste at the 2024 Copa America, where he helped the team to victory after beating Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the final.
Scaloni has spoken about the possibility of his star player returning for the next international break in October, which will see him face Venezuela and Bolivia.
“In Messi’s case, we hope he will be back playing soon,” Scaloni said.
“When the time comes to announce the next national team, we will talk to him. We will wait until that day, which is about two weeks. And we will see if he is ready to join the team.”
Argentina currently lead the 2026 World Cup สมัคร ufabet qualifiers in the South American zone with 18 points from the last 7 matches after recently beating Chile 3-0. Their next match is a trip to Colombia on Tuesday, September 10.