Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Messi Available for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier in Chile

Coach Lionel Scaloni faces a decision on Messi’s role ahead of the June 5 qualifier following Argentina’s secured 2026 World Cup berth.

Overview

  • Argentina will meet Chile at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
  • Messi has not featured for Argentina since November, having missed the March qualifiers with an adductor strain.
  • Scaloni has yet to decide whether Messi will start or come on as a substitute after assessing his physical readiness.
  • With qualification secured and a 31-point lead atop the CONMEBOL table, the coach plans to rest veterans and test younger players.
  • The 37-year-old forward arrives on the back of five goals in his last three Inter Miami matches, earning MLS Player of the Month honors.