Lionel Messi's fitness has been a talking point for a good period of time as Argentina resume its journey in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner missed four matches for his club Inter Miami before making a return for the Herons in their 0-1 defeat to Cincinnati FC. That loss ended Inter Miami's hopes of securing a spot in the playoffs. The star player was included in Argentina's squad for the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru despite not being fully fit. Fans are wondering if will Messi be part of the FIFA World Cup 2022 champs' starting XI for the match and in this article, we will explore just that. Lionel Messi To Feature in Sony’s Animated Series ‘Messi and the Giants’, Inter Miami Star Makes Announcement With Instagram Post!

Messi had a tremendously wonderful start to life as an Inter Miami player, leading them to the Leagues Cup 2023 title, which is the club's first trophy. In all, he has played 13 games where he has scored 11 goals and registered five assists across competitions. Messi's absence has been felt in Inter Miami's performances, which have taken a downward spiral since he started missing games due to injury. Lionel Messi Wins Hearts! Inter Miami Star Stops His Bodyguard From Expelling Young Fan, Clicks Selfie and Signs Autograph After MLS 2023 Match (Watch Video).

Will Lionel Messi Play in Argentina vs Paraguay CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers?

Despite Messi being picked, his participation in the Argentina vs Paraguay match remains under a cloud of doubt. The good news is that he trained well, according to Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and it is not yet decided if he can make it to the starting XI for his side. Scaloni stated that he would talk to Messi about his position with the injury and then take a call. Messi might not start this game with Argentina preferring the duo of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to lead the attack. However, he can play a part as a substitute.

Messi has scored one goal in Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, which came against Ecuador on September 8. He missed his team's next match against Bolivia, which Argentina won 3-0. He would look to play a part in this match and help his team keep up the pace with toppers Brazil.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2023 02:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).