Argentina continues its quest to defend its World Cup title with CONMEBOL qualifier games against Venezuela and Bolivia.
Lionel Scaloni announced his squad for the upcoming matches and the return of Lionel Messi stands out. Messi was last seen wearing the Albiceleste shirt in the 2024 Copa América final where he injured his ankle. Argentina went on to win its second consecutive continental trophy but Messi was sidelined for the following two months.
Argentina's captain returned to action on Sept. 14, in Inter Miami's 3–1 victory over Philladelphia Union. Messi scored a brace and set up the third goal, once again demonstrating that even at 37-years-old and after a considerable time away from the pitch, his talent is far from waning.
The number one national team in the FIFA rankings currently sits atop the CONMEBOL qualifier table with 18 points, two more than second place Colombia. Uruguay, Ecuador, Brazil and Venezuela round off the top six—the places that grant a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina visits Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín on Oct. 10, and it will host Bolivia at River Plate's Estadio Monumental on Oct. 15.






