Lionel Messi will return to Argentina's national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia. The 37-year-old star had missed recent matches because of an ankle injury.

Argentina leads South American qualifying with 18 points, followed by Colombia (16) and Uruguay (15). The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the seventh position will play an international playoff for a berth. Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)

Lionel Messi will return to Argentina's national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Argentina have their main man back. The Albiceleste announced the return of Lionel Messi in their most recent squad, and have named a largely unchanged side for a duo of World Cup qualifiers. They play Venezuela on Oct.

Argentina have been boosted by the return of captain Lionel Messi for their CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia, the country's football association said on Wednesday, after the 37-year-old recovered from an ankle injury.

Lionel Messi will play two more games with the Argentina national team this year. Argentina will face Venezuela and Bolivia later this month.

Lionel Messi has been called up by Argentina for the October international window for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

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Lionel Messi is back for Argentina but Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez is suspended for the CONMEBOL qualifier games in October.