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Lionel Messi could reportedly return to play for Argentina during the October international break after spending nearly two months out of the pitch due to an ankle injury. Messi twisted his ankle while on international duty during the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.
Owing to his recovery, Messi was not called up by Lionel Scaloni for La Albiceleste's World Cup qualifier games in September against Chile and Colombia. The Argentine returned to the pitch for Inter Miami in the MLS against Philadelphia Union on September 14, scoring a brace and one assist in the game. He also featured as a substitute vs Atlanta United (September 18) and a starter vs New York City FC (September 21).
According to TyC Sports, Argentina are set to include Lionel Messi in their squad for their World Cup qualifier fixtures in October barring any other problems. Scaloni's men are set to face Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15.
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Meanwhile, Inter Miami have four games left in the regular MLS season, before moving on to the play-offs. The Herons will go all out to win their first MLS title under Messi's guidance. Therefore, more minutes at the international stage could help the Argentine get back to full fitness ahead of the MLS play-offs.
In La Pulga's absence, Argentina secured a 3-0 win over Chile, but lost 2-1 to Colombia. However, La Albiceleste remain at the top of the table of the CONMEBOL qualifying nations with 18 points.
"He is the captain of the ship" - When Rodrigo De Paul talked about Lionel Messi's role in the national team
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul recently expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, revealing that the national team loves to see him at the helm of things. De Paul said (via All About Argentina):
“Messi is the captain of the ship. Everything we do for him, we do it gladly. We want him to always be on the front page of all the newspapers, and we push from behind.”
With days being numbered at the twilight of his career, it is only a matter of time before Lionel Messi could retire from the national team. However, the legendary forward has previously claimed that he will consider playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he feels up to it.
Ahead of the 2024 Copa America, Lionel Messi told Fox Sports:
"Time will tell whether I will be (at the 2026 World Cup) or not. As long as I feel I am well and that I am able to help, I will do it. If we do well at Copa América and I can keep playing, maybe it happens."
La Pulga memorably led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar, alongside two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Messi's success with the national team came after years of struggle and painful defeats in three consecutive international finals at the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas.
