Lionel Messi is anticipated to participate in Argentina’s forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Peru, scheduled for Tuesday, October 17.

Journalist Gaston Edul speculates that the management’s strategy for Messi is to gradually increase his playing time as he continues to recover from injury. Providing an update to fans in anticipation of the upcoming match, Edul shared on his X account (formerly Twitter):

“The Argentine National Team returns to training tomorrow afternoon. Lionel Scaloni is going to speak on Monday and that same night they will arrive in Lima, Peru. Exequiel Palacios is recovering from a flu case. There are no suspensions.”

“Leo Messi travels to Peru. The idea of the CT is to continue adding minutes and play a part of the game.”

In his previous World Cup qualifier match against Paraguay on October 12, Messi made an entrance in the second half (at the 53rd minute). His injury woes began during the last international break in the second week of September.

Following his substitution in the 1-0 victory against Ecuador on September 7, Messi missed the subsequent match against Bolivia (3-0, September 12). During the period between the previous and current international breaks, he only appeared in two MLS matches, accumulating a total of just 72 minutes on the field.

Consequently, it is highly improbable that the Barcelona legend will start in La Albiceleste’s upcoming match. Argentina enters the game at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, having secured victories in all three of their opening matches.

Lionel Messi

This season he played in total 5 times for 282 minutes for Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured twice assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami lost 1-0 against Cincinnati.

Inter Miami performance and stats

Inter Miami is currently 14th in the Major League Soccer with 33 points.

In the last 32 games, it has won 9 times, drawn 6 times, and lost 17 times. In its last match, Inter Miami lost 0-1 against Cincinnati.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 39 goals and conceding 51.​

Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against Charlotte on Saturday 21st of October in Charlotte.​

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