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Argentina Announces Lionel Messi News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 1:09 PM ET

On Monday, the Argentina national team announced its preliminary squad for the final two matches of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, coming up in early September.

The defending World Cup champions have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 11 wins, two draws and three losses (35 points) in 16 matches to top the South American table.

Argentina's secured status leaves room for doubt over the need to play Lionel Messi, 38, who has battled multiple muscle injuries this season with his MLS club, Inter Miami CF.

However, the captain was front and center of Argentina's preliminary squad announcement Monday, signaling that fans are likely to see Messi play a role for Lionel Scaloni's team come September.

#SelecciónMayor Prelista de convocados para la próxima doble fecha de Eliminatorias Sudamericanas pic.twitter.com/rhuJLP7agX
— Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) August 18, 2025

Despite the lack of jeopardy for Argentina in the final two matchdays, other star players have been slated to make the trip, including:

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Christian Romero (Tottenham)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

It is important to note that because this is the preliminary squad, there is a chance Messi could not appear in the final squad in one or both matchdays.

Messi's Schedule with Inter Miami Before International Break

Messi is joined by Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul in the initial 31-man list. They have a minimum of three matches to play before the international break arrives, including MLS contests against DC United (Saturday) and Chicago Fire (Aug. 30.).

First, they have a Leagues Cup quarterfinal to play against Tigres UANL on Wednesday. If IMCF advances past the Mexican side, the semifinal would be on Aug. 26 or 27, followed by the final on Aug. 31.

Messi has 19 goals and 10 assists for Inter Miami in 19 MLS matches so far this season.

Goal and assist in 45 minutes.

Messi went off in a win in his return from injury. pic.twitter.com/QxHs0zjP0j
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 17, 2025

Why Was Enzo Fernandez Left Out of Argentina Squad?

Aside from Messi's inclusion, the absence of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was the most notable part of Scaloni's preliminary squad.

Fernandez would have been suspended because of a red card in Argentina's last match in June against Colombia, so Scaloni left him out to open up a place for other players.