Lionel Messi returns: Inter Miami star headlines Argentina’s squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers vs Chile and Colombia

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi returned to the Argentina national team to face Chile and Colombia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Argentina enters the next round of CONMEBOL qualifiers in a comfortable position, having become one of the first national teams to officially qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, their upcoming matches against Colombia and Chile could reshape the path for other nations still battling for qualification. Adding to the anticipation is the return of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

Lionel Scaloni and the Argentine soccer Association (AFA) made the call-up official via their social media platforms, releasing the full squad list for June’s World Cup qualifiers. As the qualification stage nears its end, the squad begins to resemble the final group likely headed to North America in 2026.

One of the biggest headlines is the return of Messi, who missed the previous international window due to injury. The captain sat out Argentina’s matches against Brazil and Uruguay but is now fit and ready to rejoin his teammates.

Even without Messi, Argentina showed no signs of slowing down. The team demonstrated both strength and maturity, proving the national program is in capable hands with its blend of World Cup veterans and rising stars. Scaloni’s squad continues to dominate with a balance of experience and youthful energy—arguably making it the most complete national team in the world today.

Players named who will compete in the Club World Cup

With the FIFA Club World Cup approaching and some players facing suspensions in other competitions, Scaloni opted to include all expected participants from European soccer clubs. Ten players from overseas—Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso, Nico González, and Ángel Correa—were all named in the squad.

Key updates to the preliminary roster

Although this is technically a preliminary list, Scaloni took the opportunity to bring back several players who had been left out in recent windows due to injuries or form. The most notable returns are Valentín Barco, Valentín Castellanos, and Nicolás Domínguez.

Valentín Barco, the former Boca Juniors fullback, had fallen off the radar after an underwhelming start with Brighton in the Premier League. However, his current form with Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1 has earned him another look. Despite the presence of veteran Nicolás Tagliafico at left back, Barco is back in Argentina national team to contention for minutes.

Valentín Castellanos also makes his return. The Lazio striker missed the March qualifiers due to injury, but now healthy and in solid form, he rejoins the group. Despite heavy competition at striker—namely Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez—Castellanos may still find opportunities to contribute against Colombia or Chile.

The third notable return is Nicolás Domínguez. A member of Argentina’s 2021 Copa América-winning squad, the former Vélez midfielder has been out of the national team picture for some time. But strong performances this season with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League have earned the 26-year-old a well-deserved recall.

From: bolavip.com