Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national team, stated last night that team captain Lionel Messi will be ready to participate in his country's matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, despite not having played many matches recently. Messi's team, Inter Miami, was eliminated from the American league before the playoffs, and he has been away from the field for nearly a month now.
Scaloni said in a press conference last night: "Messi is doing well. He is in good condition, even though he has played only one match in the last 25 days. He is training normally. He is fully fit and in good shape."
Argentina will face Uruguay later today, Thursday, before meeting Brazil next Tuesday. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, played his last match with Inter Miami on October 21, while the team failed to reach the playoff stage after winning the league cup in August.
Thanks to two goals from Messi, Argentina won 2-0 against Peru last month. Scaloni expressed his happiness at facing his former coach with the Argentine national team, Marcelo Bielsa, who is currently coaching Uruguay, saying, "I am happy to face him and send my regards."
Argentina leads the South American qualifiers with 12 points from four matches, while Uruguay is in second place with seven points, equal with third-placed Brazil and fourth-placed Venezuela. Scaloni added: "This team has already proven that it can play against any opponent. We will rise to the occasion. We are ready to compete."
