Reigning World Cup champions Argentina are set to compete again on Thursday against Chile. This match could mark Lionel Messi`s return to the national squad after a seven-month absence due to injuries during the last international window.
As Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup back in March, the primary interest in this month`s CONMEBOL qualifiers centers on Lionel Messi`s fitness and availability, signaling the start of preparations for the upcoming tournament. Although Messi, turning 38 this month, previously suggested his age might preclude him from the next World Cup, his ongoing participation with the national team keeps the door open for his inclusion in the squad next year. Thursday`s fixture provides Argentina with a valuable early chance to fine-tune their performance as reigning champions, having already successfully navigated the qualification phase.
Argentina traveled to Santiago to face Chile on Thursday. Chile, the host nation, is a team whose most successful era is now firmly in the past. The Copa America victors of 2015 and 2016 currently sit at the bottom of the 10-team South American qualifying standings, having accumulated just two wins and 10 points from 14 matches. It appears probable they will fail to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament. While their qualification hopes haven`t been entirely extinguished yet – they need to bridge a five-point deficit over their final four games to catch seventh-placed Venezuela, who occupy the intercontinental playoff position – a defeat on Thursday would render it impossible for them to reach sixth-placed Colombia, currently holding an automatic qualification spot and sitting 10 points ahead.
Key Information for the Match
Match Details, Viewing Information, and Odds
- Date: Thursday, June 5
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Predanos — Santiago, Chile
- Live stream: Fanatiz
- Odds: Chile +400; Draw +230; Argentina -130
Recent Encounter
The previous match between these two sides took place in September in Buenos Aires, Argentina`s capital. The home team secured a convincing 3-0 victory. Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala found the net for Argentina on that occasion, proving effective even without Lionel Messi. In contrast, Chile managed only a single shot on target throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Will Messi Feature?
Following a seven-month break since his last appearance for Argentina, a major point of speculation is whether Lionel Messi will rejoin the national side under manager Lionel Scaloni. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Scaloni stated he had not yet made a definitive decision.
Scaloni commented, as reported by TNT Sports, “I`ve been in communication with him, we`ve continued our discussions, and we`ve connected recently. Regarding the match itself, the decision on whether he will start is still pending. I need to speak with him, particularly to gauge his physical condition. We`ve covered many topics, but not this specific one yet. Clearly, we are now in a situation where we can explore different options, and in essence, he is prepared to play. We will then evaluate his match fitness, considering he played a game last weekend. We will make the final call.”
Messi has been a regular starter for Inter Miami, completing the full 90 minutes in his last 15 appearances over the past two months. However, managing his playing time has often been a key consideration in the later stages of his career.
Anticipated Lineups
- Chile: Brayan Cortes, Felipe Loyola, Guillermo Maripan, Francisco Sierralta, Gabriel Suazo, Arturo Vida, Rodrigo Echeverría, Vicente Pizarro, Dario Osorio, Alexis Sanchez, Alexander Aravena
- Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
Key Player
Julian Alvarez, Argentina: With Lionel Messi`s availability sometimes uncertain due to injuries during the qualifying campaign, manager Lionel Scaloni has had opportunities to consider options for the team`s future beyond the Ballon d`Or winner. This has provided Atletico Madrid`s Julian Alvarez with several chances to establish himself within the national setup. He has scored three goals in the qualifiers so far. The 25-year-old is coming off an impactful debut season in Madrid, netting 29 goals across all competitions. This makes him a crucial attacking asset for Argentina, not only when Messi is absent during qualifiers but potentially as a valuable contributor at next summer`s World Cup as Argentina aims to defend their title.
Narrative to Follow
Argentina`s Evolving Squad: Regardless of Messi`s presence, Scaloni has spent recent years building an Argentina team less dependent on their superstar and featuring younger talent. While experienced players form the core, this is largely because his squads that won the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup included several world-class players who were in their prime years or approaching them, many of whom have since fulfilled their potential. Julian Alvarez, for instance, was part of the 2021 and 2022 winning teams and also featured in Argentina`s 2024 Copa America run. Similarly, center back Cristian Romero, aged 27, is emerging as one of the top defenders of his generation, having been named the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season after Tottenham Hotspur`s triumph. The coming year will allow Scaloni to further refine his talented roster, which is already well-positioned to compete strongly at next year`s World Cup, drawing on their valuable experiences both with and without Messi.
Match Forecast
This match is clearly Argentina`s to dominate. Even with minimal pressure, the reigning world champions are expected to secure a relatively comfortable victory. This outcome is probable irrespective of Messi`s participation, as Argentina possesses the capability to overcome a Chile team that has allowed 21 goals in 14 World Cup qualifying fixtures. Given the apparent mismatch, anticipate a significant winning margin for Argentina.
Prediction: Chile 0, Argentina 2
