Messi available for Argentina World Cup qualifiers return

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino confirmed Lionel Messi is available to join the Argentina national team for the October international window for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia, reports ESPN football.
Messi last made an international appearance during the 2024 Copa América, playing an integral role in Argentina's trophy-winning campaign before suffering a right ankle injury in the final against Colombia.
The forward was then sidelined for over two months, missing the September international window.
"In addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team," Martino said on Friday,
Argentina's official squad for their October games has yet to been announced. Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Sept. 14 in the 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union, and has slowly gained rhythm.
Earlier this month, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was hopeful Messi would be available for October.
Though he is still adapting to being back on the field, Martino insists Messi will be at his best for the MLS playoffs. "Leo is going to get better and better as he adds 90 minutes," Martino said.
"Obviously, Leo does not need to do differentiated physical work in training, but he needs a rhythm of competition, which gives me the idea that he is going to reach the playoffs very well because in addition to the games with us he has the games with the Argentinian national team. So we have high hopes that he will come into the play-offs in very good shape."