Buenos Aires, May 15:  Argentina will have captain Lionel Messi back for its World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, the national team announced Thursday. The 37-year-old Inter Miami star missed the March doubleheader because of an adductor injury, but the team still clinched qualification for next year's tournament by beating Uruguay and Brazil. Defending champion Argentina will visit struggling Chile on June 5 and then will host sixth-place Colombia in Buenos Aires on June 10. Lionel Messi Engages in Argument With Referee After Inter Miami's 3-3 Draw Against San Jose Earthquakes in MLS 2025 (Watch Video).

Messi will then return to the United States to play in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup, when Inter Miami plays Egyptian team Al Ahly on June 14 in Miami. Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho, who had been omitted from previous games for tactical reasons, was also included in Argentina's 28-man squad called by coach Lionel Scaloni. Minnesota United 4-1 Inter Miami, MLS 2025: Lionel Messi Scores Lone Goal For Herons As Loons Rise To Second In Western Conference.

For the first match, Scaloni will be without defender Nicolás Otamendi and midfielders Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes, who are suspended. All three are in the squad. The injured Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel are among the notable absences, while defenders Marcos Acuña and Germán Pezzella were also left out by the Argentine coach. (AP)

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