Today's Edition
Buenos Aires (dpa)
Captain Lionel Messi is back in the squad of title holders Argentina for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in a return from injury.
Messi, 37, had missed September qualifiers due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Copa America final win against Colombia in mid-July. He returned to action for his club Inter Miami in mid-September.
Argentina top the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The top six finishers from the 10 teams qualify directly.
Not part of coach Lionel Scaloni's squad announced on Wednesday for the October 10 match against Venezuela ad five days later against Bolivia is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The Aston Villa man was banned for two matches by the ruling body FIFA for offensive behaviour during the September matches against Chile and Colombia.
