The Albiceleste captain was lifting the biggest prize in the game less than a year ago, and the bond with his country runs deep.
Víctor Martín J.VictorMartJimCalum RocheEnglish_ASUpdate: Oct 4th, 2023 08:50 EDT
JUAN MABROMATAAFP
Huge news for the reigning world champions. It appears, according to TyC Sports, that Lionel Messi has given his ‘OK’ to be eligible for the upcoming FIFA break with the double header of South American Qualifiers, which pit Argentina against Paraguay and Peru.
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Messi gives green light to Argentina
The Argentine star has been dealing with discomfort for almost a month now, ever since Lionel Scaloni decided to give him a break in the second match against Bolivia in the last international break. Following this, the 36-year-old forward had an unsuccessful attempt to return fully in the Inter Miami match against Atlanta United, where he was substituted after 36 minutes of play.
At this stage of the season, with Inter Miami virtually out of contention in the MLS, reports from both Argentina and Florida suggest that Messi could get some playing time in the game against Cincinnati, not the earlier one against Chicago, just before he joins the Argentine delegation at the training ground named after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The match between Miami and Cincinnati is scheduled for 7 October. If all goes as planned, Leo will have just one day of rest before heading to Buenos Aires with the Albiceleste.
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The Albiceleste coaching staff opted to protect and take care of Messi in the second qualifying match against Bolivia.JUAN MABROMATAAFP
Comings and comings in Argentina
The three-time world champion nation faces a challenging schedule ahead. On 12 October, Argentina will have a predictably tough match against Paraguay at the Monumental Stadium. Five days later the team will travel to Lima to face Peru.
