One of Lionel Messi's key teammates has been suspended and will miss Argentina's October matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. While Argentina celebrated the news that Lionel Messi will return to the national team for October’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after recovering from injury,

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.

Lionel Messi blasted a referee in a furious tirade after Inter Miami were denied a late penalty in a tense MLS clash. Inter were held to a 1-1 draw against Charlotte at the Chase Stadium on Saturday night – their third consecutive draw.

Former star midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme does not doubt that Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup as he continues to "reinvent himself" at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Argentina's soccer association (AFA) said on Friday that FIFA suspended goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for two matches of South American World Cup qualifying in October. The decision rules out the 32-year-old from official games in the round-robin competition against Venezuela and Bolivia on October 10 and 15.