Argentina’s national football team is getting a boost with the return of captain Lionel Messi, ready to face Venezuela in qualifying for the World Cup. The 37-year-old now returns to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa América final against Colombia.
Messi, currently with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, had missed the previous games against Chile and Colombia. Coach Lionel Scaloni expressed optimism about Messi’s condition after he played for his club in recent weeks. “Leo is training with the team and is ready to face Venezuela, who will be a great opponent,” Scaloni said.
While Messi is fully fit again, the use of Alexis Mac Allister is in question. The Liverpool midfielder was substituted at half-time during last weekend’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace and is currently training separately from the team. Scaloni will decide at short notice whether Mac Allister will be in the squad.
However, the Argentine team also faces external challenges. As the team trains at Inter Miami’s training center in Florida, the approaching Hurricane Milton is a concern. The storm has already triggered evacuations in the region and affected key transportation routes. Scaloni emphasizes that his players’ safety is a priority and hopes the team can depart Florida as scheduled.
Amid these uncertainties, the team remains focused on the important clash at the Monumental Stadium in Maturin.
