Messi set to start vs Colombia, then shifts focus to Club World Cup

After coming off the bench against Chile, Lionel Messi is set to start for Argentina against Colombia this Tuesday at the Mâs Monumental, according to AS.com. With World Cup 2026 qualification already secured, the Albiceleste aim to maintain dominance in the CONMEBOL standings — and their captain is eager to shine at home before turning his attention to the FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Miami.

Messi logged about 35 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile, and now returns to the starting XI against a Colombian side led by James Rodríguez. The matchup carries added meaning for the 37-year-old: it marks a return against the team he faced in the 2024 Copa América final, a match he had to leave due to a significant ankle injury.

Argentina leads the South American qualifiers comfortably and could open up a double-digit gap over second place with another win. For Messi, it’s also a chance to break a goal drought with the national team — he hasn’t scored since October 2024, when he netted a hat-trick and added two assists against Bolivia.

Meanwhile, he’s in top form at club level: five goals and three assists in his last three games with Inter Miami. Once international duty concludes, he’ll return to Florida to guide the Herons — now coached by Javier Mascherano — into their historic Club World Cup debut.