R
Richard Ogunsile
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Lionel Messi has returned to Argentine’s national men’s team ahead of the upcoming October World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.
Naija News reports that Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina’s national team, unveiled a 27-player lineup for the matches on Thursday, with Messi taking the spotlight in the announcement.
It is worth noting that Argentina is currently leading the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying race with 18 points from eight matches, securing a 3-0 victory over Chile and losing 2-1 to Colombia in the final stretch.
Argentina will now face off against sixth-ranked Venezuela on October 10 and play host to eighth-ranked Bolivia on October 15.
The top six teams from CONMEBOL will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh-placed team entering an inter-confederation playoff to secure a spot in the tournament.
Messi, who has been out of international play since his right ankle injury in the final of the 2024 Copa América against Colombia on July 14, has been sidelined for two months.
He returned for Inter Miami on September 14 and has been a consistent player since then, gradually building up his form for the upcoming October qualifiers.
2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles To Resume Camp On Sunday, Libya To Resume On Monday
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya is set to open in Uyo on Sunday.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Augustine Eguavoen, will be based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, providing a comfortable and convenient environment for the team to prepare for the upcoming matches.
Eguavoen is expected to unveil his squad for the games this week. The team will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and teamwork as they entertain Libya at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo next week, Friday, October 11. The home advantage is expected to serve as a source of motivation for the Nigerian side.
Following the home match, the Super Eagles will embark on their journey to face the same opponents in Benina on Tuesday, October 15. This away fixture will present a different set of challenges as the Nigerian side will be subjected to playing on an artificial pitch.
Note that the Super Eagles currently hold the top spot in Group D with an impressive four points from two games. The upcoming matches against Libya present an opportunity for the Super Eagles to further solidify their position and continue their positive momentum in the qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile, the Mediterranean Knights of Libya will arrive in Uyo on Monday as they prepare for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday 3 encounter against the Super Eagles.
Nasser Al-Hadiri’s side will need to bring their A-game as they aim to secure a positive result on Nigerian soil.
Note that Libya currently find themselves at the bottom of Group D with just a single point after two rounds of matches.
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