The football world can breathe a collective sigh of relief! Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina's 28-player preliminary squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June. The Inter Miami star had missed Argentina's March fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil due to a groin injury.
Argentina has already secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup, which makes Messi's return more about strengthening the squad than desperation. The defending champions managed just fine without their talisman, beating Uruguay 1-0 and thrashing rivals Brazil 4-1 in March.
Messi expressed his disappointment at missing those crucial matches on Instagram: "It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last moment, a not-so-serious injury forced me to rest."
Messi's Form and Schedule Challenges
Since returning from injury, the 37-year-old has been in impressive form for Inter Miami, scoring six goals across all competitions. His inclusion in the squad suggests he's fully recovered and ready to contribute to Argentina's qualifying campaign.
However, Messi faces a tight schedule in June. Argentina plays Colombia on June 10, and just four days later, Inter Miami begins their Club World Cup campaign on June 14. This congested fixture list could impact his minutes for the national team, something bettors should consider when wagering on these matches.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has also sprung a few surprises in his selection. Nottingham Forest midfielder Nicolas Dominguez returns to the fold after a three-year absence from international duty. Defender Valentin Barco and forward Valentin Castellanos have also earned recalls after being out of the national team picture since last year.
Full Squad Breakdown
Argentina's preliminary squad features a strong lineup of European-based talent alongside Messi. Premier League stars like Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), and Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) all make the cut.
Atletico Madrid has significant representation with Rodrigo de Paul, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Angel Correa all included. Serie A contributes several players including Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan, who's been in sensational form this season.
The depth of Argentina's squad makes them heavy favorites for their upcoming qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. Despite already qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina shows no signs of taking their foot off the gas with such a strong selection.
For betting enthusiasts, Argentina's impressive squad depth combined with Messi's return makes them an attractive option for upcoming fixtures. However, keep an eye on team news closer to match day, as Messi's playing time might be managed carefully given his Club World Cup commitments with Inter Miami.
