The October international break is upon us, with Lionel Messi back in Argentina’s squad having successfully returned to action with Inter Miami.
The reigning Ballon d’Or holder made his long-awaited comeback for the Herons last month with Messi since featuring in all six of Inter Miami’s games between mid-September and now, with the forward scoring five goals and bagging one assist.
With Messi helping Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield and set up another potential historic game against the New England Revolution after the international break, the 37-year-old attacker is slowly but surely returning to his best after three months out injured.
And Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has now shared if Messi will feature for the reigning Copa America champions this international break having been selected.
Messi set to feature for Argentina this week against Venezuela
Speaking to the press, Scaloni confirmed that Messi is in line to feature for Argentina this week in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, with the reigning world champions also facing Bolivia in this international break.
With Messi key to Inter Miami’s success in the play-offs later this month, the Herons will be holding their breath that the franchise captain doesn’t pick up another injury whilst out on international duty with Argentina.
Yet Messi’s return to action with Argentina will be viewed by many as a massive boost for Inter Miami, with Scaloni saying when asked if the forward will play against Venezuela later this week: “Messi is fine.
“He played several games for his team in recent weeks after not being involved in the last break, which was what we had agreed because he needed to recover and get more minutes. Leo is training with the squad and is ready to be part of the team to play against Venezuela, who will be a great opponent.”
Messi will want to ensure he returns to Inter Miami in one piece
Messi’s fitness has been a major talking point ever since the Argentine moved to Inter Miami last year, with the attacker missing over half the available games due to injuries and other problems in the last 12 months.
And for this international break, Messi will want to ensure that he returns to Inter Miami as fit as he left the Supporters’ Shield champions, with the most important games of the season just on the horizon for the Florida franchise.
Indeed, Inter Miami will need Messi fit if they’re to win MLS Cup, and the Argentine himself has stated that he’s focused on winning the championship with the Herons having secured the Supporters’ Shield.