Lionel Messi Is Back With Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister Absent

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has joined Bali to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the South American zone. (X/@Argentina)

JAKARTA - Argentina was again strengthened by captain Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in the South American zone. But Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister missed the match against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Messi suffered an ankle injury which saw the captain aged 37 in miss the qualifying match against Chile and Colombia. Without the Inter Miami star Argentina won 3-0 over Chile but then they lost 2-1 against hosts Colombia.

Argentina also lost their second in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Albiceleste is still perched at the top of the standings with 18 points. Two-year-old seed from Colombia who is in second place.

Now, Messi has recovered. He has also performed with Inter Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will be played in the qualifying match against Venezuela at the Monumental de Maturin Stadium, Friday, October 11, 2024 morning WIB.

"Messi is fine. Messi has played in several matches with his team since he was last missed by the national team. He needs recovery and playing minutes," said Scaloni.

"He has also trained together and is ready to be part of the team that will face Venezuela which is a tough opponent," he said.

Only the Argentine squad remained incomplete due to the loss of a number of pillar players. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez underwent a two-match ban. Argentina was also not strengthened by Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Gonzalez, Paulo Dybala and Alejandro Garnacho who suffered injuries.

Finally, Mac Allister had to pull out after suffering an injury while playing Liverpool in the match against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. He has even been pulled out in the first half of the match Liverpool won 1-0.

"He (Mac Allister) underwent separate training. We'll see if he can perform in the first match. We will decide whether he starts or sits on the bench or plays in the next game," said Scaloni.

"The important thing is, we have to pay attention to him. After all, he is a player who has played many matches. We hope not to lose more players because this can change the situation," he said.

Argentina has the opportunity to strengthen its position at the top of the standings if they beat Venezuela, who is currently ranked sixth. Venezuela has only won twice and won 10 points. The same as Brazil, but they lost on goal difference.