Will Lionel Messi return to the starting lineup for Argentina vs Chile in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier?
As the football world eagerly anticipates Argentina's 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Chile on June 5, 2025, one question dominates the headlines: Will Lionel Messi return to the starting lineup? The Inter Miami star and Argentina captain has rejoined the national team after a seven-month hiatus, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to confirm whether the 37-year-old legend will start in this crucial match in Santiago. Let's dive into the latest updates. Messi's Return to the Argentina Squad
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, last played for Argentina in November 2024, contributing an assist in a 1-0 victory over Peru. A muscle injury sidelined him for the March 2025 international break, but his recent performances with Inter Miami—scoring five goals in three MLS matches—signal a strong return to form. His arrival at Argentina's training complex on June 3 has sparked excitement among fans, with social media buzzing about the potential for a 'GOAT' performance against Chile. Scaloni's Cautious Approach
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has remained non-committal about Messi's role in the upcoming match. Speaking at a press conference, Scaloni noted, 'I spoke to Leo, and we've kept in touch. We haven't decided yet if he'll start against Chile—we need to talk to him first.' The coach emphasized the need to assess Messi's physical condition, given his demanding schedule, which includes a subsequent match against Colombia and Inter Miami's FIFA Club World Cup debut on June 14. Messi's Form and Impact
Messi's recent performances for Inter Miami have been nothing short of spectacular. Named MLS Player of the Week twice in a row, he was involved in all five goals during a 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew. With 182 caps and 112 goals for Argentina, Messi remains the nation's all-time leading scorer and a pivotal figure in their 2022 World Cup triumph. His potential inclusion against Chile could be a game-changer, especially given Chile's struggles, sitting at the bottom of the CONMEBOL standings with just 10 points from 14 matches.
Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at BusinessUpturn.com
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