After suffering an unexpected knock, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner missed a 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia back in September. Due to that issue, he was only able to play for Inter Miami for 72 minutes before leaving with the Albiceleste once more.

Messi was benched for 53 minutes of the team’s match against Paraguay, but he made a spectacular cameo, striking the woodwork twice and tangling with Antonio Sanabria, who spat at him, as the 2022 World Cup winners prevailed 1-0 after a fierce battle.

The legendary player’s close friend De Paul, who told TyC Sports that Messi makes life easier for everyone when he is on the pitch, is thrilled to have Messi back with him. “Even though we play at a very high level, we always miss him, we always want to have him in,” Paul said. With him, everything is always better, so I hope he can return in the upcoming game. It brings me joy to turn around and see him.

Argentina will play again against Peru on Tuesday. It is unclear if Messi will play a more significant role in that match. Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualification table after winning all three of their preliminary matches.