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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Lionel Messi back for first time since Copa America</li><li>Albiceleste captain playing again for Inter Miami</li><li>Messi-less Argentina lost to Colombia, beat Chile</li></ul>

Lionel Messi back with Argentina as manager Lionel Scaloni names squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Venezuela and Bolivia

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

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. 10, and Bolivia five days later as they look to stay top of the table for 2026 World Cup qualifiers.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Selecci%C3%B3nMayor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SelecciónMayor</a> Lista de convocados 🇦🇷 para los próximos encuentros ante Venezuela y Bolivia, correspondientes a la Fecha FIFA de Eliminatorias. <a href="https://t.co/4XKJJ5BRX0">pic.twitter.com/4XKJJ5BRX0</a>— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) <a href="https://twitter.com/Argentina/status/1841501659307860295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi's return would seem to come at an opportune time for the Albiceleste, who are facing pressure from Colombia at the top of the table. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/james-rodriguez-copa-america-mvp-colombia/blt46ee3bb7d6f0c6b2" target="_blank">Los Cafeteros haven't lost in normal time in 30 games</a>, and are just two points behind Messi's side.The two teams met in the Copa America final, where Argentina won in extra time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Argentina have been immensely impressive when Messi has been fit. They have won their last 11 when Messi has been healthy, eclipsing Scaloni's previous record at the helm.

DID YOU KNOW?

La Albiceleste will play Bolivia and Venezuela this window, and Messi figures to captain the sides in both contests. After that, they have fixtures against Paraguay and Peru to look forward to in mid November.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

Leonardo Messi back with Argentina as manager Lionel Scaloni names squad for World Cup qualifiers vs Venezuela and Bolivia | Goal.com

The reigning Copa America champions have ther star man back in what is otherwise a largely unchanged squad