Lionel Messi returns for the defending FIFA champions Argentina as the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying leaders hit the road to visit Venezuela hoping to retain their slim advantage atop the standings.

Argentina are set to take on Venezuela away in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification CONMEBOL Round 9 fixture, as La Albiceleste aim at solidifying their position on top of the table. The reigning South America and World Champions,

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying gets back underway in what has been a topsy turvy run so far for South American teams through eight rounds of play. Lionel Messi will return for Argentina with the team still in first place during qualifying but Colombia and Uruguay are hot on their heels.

Lionel Messi has re-joined the Argentina squad in training in Miami as the team remain aware of Hurricane Milton.

Argentina's national team will face Venezuela this Thursday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. While Lionel Messi will be available for selection, coach Lionel Scaloni continues to receive bad news with the loss of several key players.

Scaloni's team based themselves near Miami to prepare for their South American qualifier. In theory, Argentina's national team based themselves near Miami to give themselves the best possible circumstances to prepare for their upcoming South American qualifier against Venezuela.