In the world of football, few events elicit as much excitement as a match featuring Lionel Messi, particularly when it involves the Argentine national team. On Thursday night, Argentina takes on Chile in a World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, marking Messi’s return to international play for the first time this year. This match promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, given Messi’s recent performances and the stakes involved for both teams.
Lionel Messi is healthy and available to play, as confirmed by Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni. His participation, whether as a starter or coming off the bench, is still uncertain. Scaloni stated, “We haven’t decided yet whether he’ll start the game or not. I need to talk to him, especially because it would be good to know how he’s feeling physically.” This careful consideration reflects both Messi’s importance to the team and his recent struggles with fitness.
Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, allowing them some flexibility with their line-up. This match could be an opportunity to assess younger players while also providing Messi a chance to represent his beloved country. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to witnessing one of football’s oldest legends take the pitch.
Fans can catch the match at 9 p.m. ET (10 p.m. in Argentina) on TYC Sports Internacional USA, available through DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo. If you’re planning to watch from home, make sure to secure your streaming service ahead of time to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
It’s an exciting time for Messi, who at 37 years old, continues to defy age with his skill and agility. In recent outings with Inter Miami, he has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring five goals in his last three matches, leading to him being named MLS Player of the Month. Such form has fueled discussions about his readiness to don the Argentine jersey again.
Scaloni praised Messi’s readiness, saying, “He had a good game last Saturday, so this guy is ready to play.” With goals and assists mounting, there’s optimism surrounding Messi’s performance in this upcoming match. The last time he played with the national team was in November, showcasing how eagerly both fans and the team await his return.
The history between Argentina and Chile adds another layer of intensity to this matchup. The rivalry has grown over the years, punctuated by memorable encounters in Copa America finals and World Cup qualifiers. The emotions on the pitch are often matched by the fervor in the stands, making for a vibrant atmosphere in Santiago.
Recent results in Messi’s international tenure have been mixed. He was unable to contribute in March against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor strain but showed his class in previous matches. Notably, Messi’s last outing with Argentina in October 2024 saw him score a hat trick in a commanding 6-0 victory over Bolivia. Such performances serve as a reminder of why he remains a pivotal player for the national side.
As fans prepare to cheer for him, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: Is Messi playing tonight against Chile? The announcement of the starting lineup will confirm his status, adding to the anticipation as kickoff approaches.
For those wanting to follow Messi’s journey closely, his schedule with both Argentina and Inter Miami is packed in the coming weeks. After Thursday’s match against Chile, Argentina is set to face Colombia on June 10. In addition, Inter Miami has critical fixtures in the Club World Cup against teams like Al Ahly and FC Porto. These matches offer Messi ample opportunity to showcase his talents on an international stage, continuing his legacy while shaping the future of Argentine football.
As the world watches, the impactful moments Messi creates on the pitch serve to unite fans, transcending borders and generations. His ability to consistently deliver exceptional performances pleases the eyes and fills hearts with pride, especially for those who have followed his unparalleled journey through the years.
In conclusion, Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Chile is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity for Messi to re-establish his connection with fans, display his enduring skills, and lead a team rich in potential. The anticipation is palpable, and the world will be watching closely as Neymar steps back onto the international stage. Whether you’re watching in a stadium or from your own living room, this match is sure to be one for the history books, in the ongoing legend that is Lionel Messi.
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