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Messi returns to Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers

Messi missed the Albiceleste's September qualifiers against Chile and Colombia because of an ankle injury but has since returned to action for his club Inter Miami.

03 Oct 2024 09:57am
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi appears on a screen as Argentina's supporters gather at Times Square, New York City after the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament semi-final football match between Argentina and Canada on July 9, 2024. (Photo by AFP)
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi appears on a screen as Argentina's supporters gather at Times Square, New York City after the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament semi-final football match between Argentina and Canada on July 9, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

BUENOS AIRES - Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina's squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia, reported Xinhua, quoting the South American country's football association on Wednesday.

Messi, 37, missed the Albiceleste's September qualifiers against Chile and Colombia because of an ankle injury but has since returned to action for his club Inter Miami.

Argentina will play Venezuela away on October 10 and Bolivia in Buenos Aires five days later.

The reigning World Cup and Copa America champions currently lead the 10-team South American group with 18 points from eight games, two points ahead of second-placed Colombia.

The top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The seventh-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff. - BERNAMA-XINHUA

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