Overview

• Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi will start Argentina’s June 11 qualifier against Colombia at Estadio Monumental after the captain returned as a substitute last week.
• Argentina secured their place at the 2026 World Cup months ago and lead CONMEBOL qualifying by a commanding ten-point margin.
• Scaloni said the team can maintain its style of play effectively both with and without Messi, highlighting Argentina’s growing squad depth.
• Colombia sit in sixth place—the final automatic qualification spot—and risk falling into an intercontinental playoff position if they fail to win.
• Luis Díaz is back from a one-match suspension to bolster Colombia’s attack in a fixture critical to their World Cup hopes.