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Lionel Messi Rejoining Argentina for World Cup Qualifiers Has Social Media Buzzing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 7:39 PM ET

Lionel Messi has been dazzling in the MLS as of late for Inter Miami, but will have a chance to put on his nation's badge over the course of the next week or so.

The 37-year-old with over 500 appearances for the Argentina national team joined the squad on Monday as they prepare for a couple of qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Led by Messi, Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating France 4-2 in penalty kicks after the two giants were deadlocked at 3-3.

The first qualifying match is set to take place on Thursday against Chile, and while Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has yet to confirm what Messi's role will be, fans online are absolutely pumped to see the team's captain back with the squad.

It’s so nice to see him with us pic.twitter.com/j8E4FlYFhx
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) June 4, 2025

"GOAT and his family bravo," wrote one fan.

"The GOAT ," commented a second.

"My goat greatest of all Lionel Messi ❤️," replied another.

"Good and holy, my WORLD CHAMPION brothers," chimed in another.

"This is what Messi looks like before scoring a hat trick against Chile," predicted another.

While Messi has long been a mainstay for Argentina, if he makes an appearance Thursday, it'll mark the first time since November in the team's 1-0 win over Peru.

When asked about Messi's role, Scaloni was quite cryptic about what to expect.

"We've been in contact (with Messi) recently. We haven't decided yet whether he'll play from the start or not. It would be good to know how he's feeling physically," Scaloni said via ESPN.

Messi is coming offa stretch with Inter Miami that has seen him score five goals in three games, while also dishing out three assists in that same stretch. If he is able to play on Thursday, fans across the world will be thrilled.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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