Is Lionel Messi playing tonight for Argentina vs Bolivia in 2026 World Cup qualifiers?

La Albiceleste will face Bolivia next in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina will return to action for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia tonight as they hope to secure a place in the final competition. La Albiceleste had a chance to book their spot in the 2026 World Cup had they won against Venezuela. But Salomon Rondon’s equalizer cancelled out Nicolas Otamendi’s opener for visitors as both sides settled for a draw.

Lionel Scaloni’s side will now welcome Bolivia which should present a good chance to secure a win and maintain their top spot in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying table.

(🌕) Lionel Scaloni is seriously evaluating starting Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together for the first time ever. @ESPNArgentina 🚨🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/3h9qwKufrb

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 14, 2024

Messi’s side are at the summit of the table with 19 points, just three points above second-place Colombia. Should they win against Bolivia and Colombia fail to win their game, Argentina will go six points clear at the top.

The limelight will be on the captain of Argentina: Lionel Messi. Messi finally returned to action for the national team after last playing for them in the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia. He wasn’t able to do much against Venezuela last game but should be once again ready to lead La Albiceleste to a win.

Will Messi play against Bolivia?

There has been barely any situation where Messi has not started for Argentina be it a friendly or a big match if fit and available. He is always in the starting lineup to lead the country.

Messi had missed Argentina’s last two matches of September due to injury. But he is back and more than ready to marshall the forward line.

Scaloni will certainly want Argentina’s best player to start. There isn’t any solid reason why Messi should not start. It’s a World Cup qualifying match and Messi will be eager to make things happen for them.

Hence, we expect Scaloni to play Messi in their crucial match against Bolivia. It will help further reinforce their chances of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup early on.

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