Scaloni hopes Messi will return to Argentina next month

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is hopeful superstar Lionel Messi will be fit to return for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October.

The 37-year-old captain has not played since injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.

However, the Argentine captain has recently resumed training with his club, Inter Miami, and may feature in their upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) match against Philadelphia on Saturday.

“We hope he starts to play,” Scaloni said. “When we give the next [squad] list [in October], we will be in contact with him as we do with everyone. Then we will see if he is available to return.”

Messi recently trained with Inter Miami and could be available to play against Philadelphia in สมัคร ufabet MLS on Saturday. “We hope he can start,” Scaloni said.

Speaking ahead of Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday, Scaloni said: “It’s difficult for a team not to depend on Messi in terms of football because he’s a unique player. But this team has a game idea beyond who plays. Everyone plays the same thing. That helps. When Leo isn’t there we do the same thing without that final touch that he has.

“When we submit our next squad (in October) we will contact him like we do with everyone. “

Then we will see if he is ready to come back.” The Albiceleste lead the table and face Colombia on Tuesday, four points clear of second-placed Uruguay.