World Cup champions Argentina are set to play Chile on Thursday. This match could mark Lionel Messi`s return to the national squad after a seven-month absence due to injuries sustained during the previous international break.
Since Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup back in March, the primary focus for this month`s CONMEBOL qualifiers is on Messi`s availability as preparations for the next global tournament begin. While Messi, who turns 38 later this month, previously suggested his age might preclude him from the next World Cup, his continued presence in the national setup leaves the door open for his inclusion next year. Thursday`s game provides one of the initial opportunities for Argentina, already qualified and playing as defending champions, to fine-tune their preparations.
The team travels to Santiago to face a Chile side whose golden era is firmly in the past. The Copa America champions of 2015 and 2016 are currently at the bottom of the 10-team South American qualifying group, having collected just 10 points from 14 matches with only two wins. They appear likely to miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Although their hopes are slim, they are five points adrift of Venezuela, who hold the intercontinental playoff spot, with four games remaining. A loss on Thursday would effectively end their chances of catching Colombia, who are 10 points ahead in an automatic qualification position.
Last Meeting
The two teams last met in September in Buenos Aires, where Argentina secured a convincing 3-0 victory. Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala scored for Argentina, performing well even without Messi in the lineup that day. Chile, in contrast, managed only a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Will Lionel Messi Play?
Seven months after his last appearance for Argentina, the big question for coach Lionel Scaloni is whether Messi will make his return. Scaloni indicated in his pre-match press conference that he had not yet made a final decision. He mentioned being in contact with Messi and needing to assess his physical state, noting that Messi played for Inter Miami last weekend. Scaloni stated that while they are now able to explore other options, Messi is generally ready to play, but the decision hinges on evaluating his fitness.
Messi has been a regular starter for Inter Miami, often playing the full 90 minutes in their recent games, although managing his workload has been a common practice in the latter stages of his career.
Predicted Lineups
Chile: Brayan Cortes, Felipe Loyola, Guillermo Maripan, Francisco Sierralta, Gabriel Suazo, Arturo Vidal, Rodrigo Echeverría, Vicente Pizarro, Dario Osorio, Alexis Sanchez, Alexander Aravena
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
Player to Watch
Julian Alvarez, Argentina: Messi`s occasional absences due to injury during the qualifying campaign have given coach Scaloni opportunities to develop the team with an eye on the future. Julian Alvarez has benefited from these chances to establish himself, scoring three goals in the qualifiers so far. The 25-year-old enjoyed an impactful first season in Madrid, netting 29 goals across all competitions, making him a vital attacking asset for Argentina, not only in Messi`s absence but potentially as a key player in defending their title at next summer`s World Cup.
Argentina`s Evolution
Regardless of Messi`s presence, Scaloni has spent recent years building an Argentina squad that is less reliant on its superstar and incorporates younger talent. While experienced players form the core, the World Cup-winning squads of 2021 and 2022 featured several world-class players who were just entering their prime and have since continued to excel. Julian Alvarez was part of those winning teams and the recent Copa America squad, as was center-back Cristian Romero. The 27-year-old is emerging as a top defender globally, recently recognized as the UEFA Europa League player of the season after his team`s triumph. The next year offers Scaloni further time to refine this talented roster, which is already in a strong position to contend at the next World Cup, drawing on valuable experience gained both with and without Messi.
Prediction
This match is largely Argentina`s to control. Even with minimal pressure, the World Champions are expected to secure a relatively comfortable victory. This holds true whether Messi plays or not, as Argentina possesses the quality to overcome a Chile team that has conceded 21 goals in 14 qualifying matches. Anticipate a decisive win for Argentina, given the significant difference in form and quality between the sides. Predicted Score: Chile 0, Argentina 2
Dominic Ashworth