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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.

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 21, 2023.
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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.