Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina against Peru? Journalist provides update on Inter Miami star ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

Lionel Messi is expected to feature in Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Peru on Tuesday (October 17).

Journalist Gaston Edul believes the management's plan for Messi is for the latter to get some minutes under his belt as he continues to recover from injury. Updating fans ahead of the aforementioned clash, Edul wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter):

"The Argentine National Team returns to training tomorrow afternoon. Lionel Scaloni is going to speak on Monday and that same night they will arrive in Lima, Peru. Exequiel Palacios is recovering from a flu case. There are no suspensions."

"Leo Messi travels to Peru. The idea of the CT is to continue adding minutes and play a part of the game."

The World Cup winner was introduced in the second half (53') of his country's previous qualification match against Paraguay on Thursday (1-0, October 12). His struggles with injury began during the last international break in the second week of September.

After being substituted in the 1-0 win against Ecuador (September 7), Messi failed to feature in the following match against Bolivia (3-0, September 12). He appeared in just two MLS clashes between the previous and current international breaks, racking up a total playing time of just 72 minutes.

Hence, a start for the Barcelona legend is extremely unlikely in La Albiceleste's next match. Argentina head into the game on top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, having won all three of their opening matches.

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Spanish journalist claims Lionel Messi will not go out on loan in January

Lionel Messi (via Getty Images)

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Argentina skipper Lionel Messi will not go out on loan in January despite rumors linking him with a return to Barcelona.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has also reportedly drawn interest from Saudi Arabia and could join Cristiano Ronaldo in the nation's top-tier competition.

However, Balague has dismissed these claims and believes Messi will remain with Inter Miami, who are not in action until late February. He said (via BBC):

“Messi will have around one month holiday, like other footballers. So forget any move to Saudi or similar."

Since joining Inter Miami this summer, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain attacker has scored 11 goals and assisted five from 13 appearances across all competitions. He led the Herons to the Leagues Cup, their maiden trophy, bagging 10 goals and an assist.