Lionel Messi is set to return to Argentina's starting lineup this Tuesday against Colombia, in Matchday 16 of the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The confirmation came from head coach Lionel Scaloni in a press conference, officially ending a seven-month absence for the captain in the Albiceleste’s starting XI.

Last Start: November 2024

Messi’s last start came on November 19, 2024, in a win over Peru at La Bombonera during Matchday 12. Since then, a muscle injury kept him out of the lineup for the March qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

He returned as a substitute in the recent 0-1 loss to Chile, but Scaloni confirmed:

“Leo is going to start. We have no doubts. We hope the people enjoy him and the team.”

Argentina Clinched, Colombia Still Fighting

• Argentina leads the standings with 34 points and has already secured a spot at USA–Canada–Mexico 2026.
• Colombia , on the other hand, sits sixth with 21 points, level with Uruguay, and is still battling for a place in the top five.

A Balanced Argentina, With or Without Messi

Scaloni also praised the team’s maturity:

“We’re at a point where we can play the same way with or without Leo.”

He emphasized how the squad has grown since Copa América 2021, becoming a team that can challenge any opponent, regardless of who’s on the field.

Messi’s return as a starter adds even more excitement to a high-stakes match for Colombia. With the World Cup already secured, could this be the start of Messi’s final qualifying run as captain? The show goes on.