Lionel Messi is back in action for Argentina after missing March’s World Cup qualifiers due to injury. The legendary forward headlines Argentina’s 28-man preliminary squad for the upcoming June fixtures against Chile and Colombia.
The 2022 World Cup champions have already booked their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with impressive wins over Uruguay (1-0) and Brazil (4-1) during Messi’s absence.
Messi Makes His Return
The 37-year-old Inter Miami star had withdrawn in March due to a groin strain, writing in an Instagram story:
“It’s a shame to miss these two very special matches… a not-so-serious injury that forces me to rest for a while.”
Since returning to club football, Messi has scored six goals for Inter Miami and is expected to feature in the Club World Cup, starting June 14—just four days after Argentina’s clash with Colombia.
Scaloni Adds Fresh Faces
Coach Lionel Scaloni has also recalled Nicolas Dominguez (Nottingham Forest), last seen in an Argentina shirt in 2021. Other notable inclusions include Valentin Barco and Valentin Castellanos, who return after extended absences.
Argentina’s Preliminary Squad for June WCQ
Goalkeepers:
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Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
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Geronimo Rulli (Marseille)
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Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders:
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Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
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Juan Foyth (Villarreal)
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Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
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Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)
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Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
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Facundo Medina (RC Lens)
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Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)
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Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
Midfielders:
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Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
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Leandro Paredes (Roma)
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Nicolas Dominguez (Nottingham Forest)
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Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
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Thiago Almada (Lyon)
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Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
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Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
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Nicolas Paz (Como)
Forwards:
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Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
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Julian Alvarez (Atletico)
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Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
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Valentin Castellanos (Lazio)
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Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
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Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina)
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Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
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Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid)
Conclusion
With Messi’s return and a blend of experience and youth, Argentina look poised to finish their qualifiers on a high note. Fans can expect intense action as the Albiceleste face two strong South American opponents next month.
