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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on Lionel Messi's availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Thursday, October 10, at Estadio Monumental de Maturín. The 37-year-old star forward had suffered an injury in La Albiceleste's 2024 Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.
Lionel Messi had to leave the pitch in the 66th minute of the final with a right ankle injury after he was hurt in the same spot during a strong challenge in the first half. Even though the match ended in a 1-0 victory, with the Argentine captain lifting his second Copa América trophy, he has not been back on the pitch representing his country ever since.
Due to injury, Messi missed two of Argentina's World Cup qualifier matches against Chile and Colombia in September. Although he has been back in action for Inter Miami, doubts surfaced about the Barcelona legend's availability for La Albiceleste's upcoming clash against Venezuela.
Putting an end to the doubts, Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will be a part of the squad and told reporters (via Mundo Deportivo):
"Leo is fine, he's played several games before coming with us and that's what he needed to add minutes. Before the previous call, we had spoken and the decision was that he would not come because he needed to play. Now he's fit, all right. He'll be part of the team."
Lionel Messi, who made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005, has recorded 109 goals and 58 assists in 187 matches for his country. He has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and the 2022 Finalissima with Argentina.
Lionel Scaloni provides update on Lionel Messi's Argentine teammate Alexis Mac Allister
Lionel Scaloni also provided an update on Lionel Messi's Argentine teammate Alexis Mac Allister ahead of their match against Venezuela. The Liverpool midfielder picked up a groin injury in the Reds' Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on October 5 and was substituted at the beginning of the second half.
Despite sustaining an injury, Mac Allister traveled with the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Scaloni addressed the 25-year-old's situation and mentioned that there are doubts about his availability for the clash against Venezuela.
The Argentine head coach said (via GOAL):
"He is training separately. We'll see if he makes it to the first game. For now, he hasn't been able to join us, and, well, we'll make the decision if he's part of the squad or on the bench or if he plays on Thursday. But it's difficult for him to make it today."
"I think we have to take care of him. He's a guy who has a lot of games under his belt and that's the situation today. We hope we don't lose any more players because the situation can change later."
The midfielder has made 34 appearances and scored three goals for the Argentina national team after making his debut in 2019. He was an important member of the sides that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
Lionel Scaloni's squad are currently leading the World Cup Qualifiers table with 18 points in eight matches. Following their match against Venezuela, La Albiceleste will face Bolivia on October 15 at Estadio Mâs Monumental.
