Argentina have finalized the dates and venues for its upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, with a potential return of Lionel Messi to the national team lineup.
Lionel Messi is eyeing a potential return to the Argentina national team for their upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, after sitting out the latest victories over Uruguay and Brazil. Although Argentina has already clinched its spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the team still has four qualifiers left to play.
Argentina will first face Chile on June 5 in Santiago. The matchup in the Chilean capital carries high stakes for the home side, as a loss would likely seal their fate, eliminating them from World Cup contention for the third consecutive cycle.
The second game pits Argentina against Colombia on June 10 in Buenos Aires. Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombian squad, fighting to remain in the qualifying positions, will aim to secure a critical victory. With just one more FIFA match window remaining after these games, the standings could begin to take their final shape.
Messi’s participation, however, remains uncertain. Shortly after the Colombia match, the 2026 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off, with Messi slated to compete for Inter Miami. His involvement in the qualifiers will depend on scheduling and fitness decisions in the lead-up to June.
Scaloni faces potential selection crisis
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni could face an uphill battle in these World Cup Qualifiers due to the unavailability of up to 15 key players. This is not a case of minor absences, but rather the potential loss of nearly the entire starting lineup and several key substitutes.
The primary reason for the absences is the overlap with the new FIFA Club World Cup, which begins days after the June international window. Notable players likely to miss the games include Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández. This could open the door for several debuts in Argentina’s matches against Chile and Colombia.
15 players likely to miss Chile and Colombia matches
In addition to Leandro Paredes, who is suspended, here is the list of players expected to miss the qualifiers due to their Club World Cup commitments:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid)
- Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)
- Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
- Angel Correa (Atlético Madrid)
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
- Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
- Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus)
- German Pezzella (River Plate)
- Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)
- Marcos Acuña (River Plate)
- Lucas Martinez Quarta (River Plate)
From: bolavip.com
