Messi returns to Argentina in qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in World Cup qualifiers

Buenos Aires: The national team announced on Thursday that Argentina will return Captain Lionel Messi to the World Cup qualifiers in Chile and Colombia.

The 37-year-old Miami star missed a March doubles due to a income injury, but the team still qualifies for next year’s tournament by beating Uruguay and Brazil.

Defending champion Argentina will visit struggling Chile on June 5 and then will hold sixth place in Buenos Aires on June 10.

Messi will then return to the United States to compete in the first game of the FIFA Club World Cup when Miami competes in Egypt’s team Al Ahly on June 14 in Miami.

Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho, who was omitted from previous games for tactical reasons, was also called by coach Lionel Scaloni.

In the first game, Scaloni will have no defenders Nicols Otamendi and midfielders Enzo Fernndez and Leandro Paredes, who are suspended. All three are in the team.

Injured Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel were notable absences, while defenders Marcos Acua and Germn Pezzella were also turned away by Argentina coaches