Argentina vs Venezuela: Will Lionel Messi play in World Cup Qualification Match?

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Argentina's national football team is gearing up for their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Venezuela, which is set to take place in Maturin on Thursday (October 10).

With 18 points in eight matches, Argentina sit at the top of the World Cup Qualifiers points table - but Los Albicelestes lost their last match against Colombia.

Ahead of the Venezuela clash, the team is buoyed by the return of their captain, Lionel Messi. The Argentina legend didn't feature for his country since the Copa America in July and finally made a return to the squad.

Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina?

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi's readiness to play after recovering from a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia in July. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, had missed previous qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. Scaloni mentioned that Messi has been actively participating in recent matches for his club, which helped him regain fitness.

"Messi is fine. He played several games for his team in recent weeks... Leo is training with the squad and is ready to be part of the team to play against Venezuela," Scaloni said in the pre-match press conference.

Alexis Mac Allister in doubt for Argentina

Although Lionel Messi seems on course to feature, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has fresh injury concern and Scaloni is sceptical about his availability for the Venezuela match. The Liverpool player needs to manage his workload amid the busy schedule, which means he may not be part of the Venezuela clash.

Scaloni stated, "He (Mac Allister) is training separately. We'll see if he makes it to the first game."

The Argentine squad was training at Inter Miami's facility in Florida, but faced concerns regarding Hurricane Milton, which has hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 5 storm. This situation has led to significant disruptions, including traffic congestion and fuel shortages, as over one million people have been ordered to evacuate.