Frank Christian
Anticipation builds as Lionel Messi is set to rejoin the Argentina starting squad for their home match against Colombia in the 2026 qualifiers this Tuesday evening.
With a commanding lead at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table, Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup well ahead of schedule and remain firmly at the summit. They enjoy a substantial 10-point advantage over their closest rivals with only three matches left to play.
This situation allows coach Lionel Scaloni the flexibility to rotate his players if he chooses to rest key athletes and evaluate those vying for roster positions, though he is likely to maintain much of the established lineup, understanding the significance of team chemistry.
On the other hand, Colombia finds themselves precariously close to losing their qualifying position, a scenario that seemed improbable just a year ago. Having entered the 2024 Copa America as a formidable team, they reached the finals but suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.
Since then, Colombia’s fortunes have dramatically declined, managing to win only two out of nine qualifying matches, which has dropped them to sixth place in the standings. The top six teams automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the seventh team enters an intercontinental playoff, putting Colombia on shaky ground.
Argentina vs. Colombia starting lineups, team news
Argentina faced a midfield shortage in their recent match against Chile, and several key players need to regain fitness for this upcoming game. Notable absentees like Enzo Fernandez, Gio Lo Celso, and Leandro Paredes did not participate in the squad, along with Nicolas Otamendi. However, he and the others are expected to rejoin the action.
One assured return to the starting eleven will be Lionel Messi, who was rested in the last match against Chile by coming on as a substitute. According to outlet journalist Gaston Edul, Messi will feature from the start.
Alexis Mac Allister has been omitted from Argentina’s squad for this international duty due to an injury sustained at the end of Liverpool’s campaign, while seasoned defenders German Pezzela, Gonzalo Montiel, and Marcos Acuna were also left off the roster.
Nicolas Tagliafico is serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation following his booking against Chile, which opens the door for either Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco to step in.
Projected Argentina lineup (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina — De Paul, E. Fernandez, Paredes — Messi, L. Martinez, Alvarez.
Full Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez, Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli.
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Barco, Juan Foyth, Kevin Lomonaco, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Mariano Troilo.
Midfielders: Thiago Almada, Enzo Barrenechea, Emiliano Buendia, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Franco Mastantuono, Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Nico Paz.
Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Angel Correa, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Giuliano Simeone.
Colombia’s head coach, Nestor Lorenzo, confirmed after the draw with Peru that striker Jhon Duran has been hampered by a back issue since his time with Aston Villa. Although he has managed the pain recently, it intensified during the last match, leading to his substitution at halftime, making his availability for this matchup uncertain.
On a positive note, Luis Diaz will return after a yellow card suspension, which will enhance their attacking options, an element that was sorely missed against Peru. Depending on Duran’s condition, he could start up front or be placed in a wider position.
Projected Colombia lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Mier (GK) — Munoz, Mina, D. Sanchez, Machado — Lerma, Rios — Arias, J. Rodriguez, J. Hernandez — Diaz.
Full Colombia squad
Goalkeepers: Kevin Mier, David Ospina, Camilo Vargas.
Defenders: Cristian Borja, Willer Ditta, Jhon Lucumi, Deiver Machado, Yerry Mina, Daniel Munoz, Andres Roman, Davinson Sanchez.
Midfielders: Jhon Arias, Yaser Asprilla, Jaminton Campaz, Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castano, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta, Richard Rios, James Rodriguez.
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Duran, Juan Camilo Hernandez, Marino Hinestroza, Luis Suarez.
Predicted outcome: Argentina vs. Colombia
Colombia’s attack will receive a boost with the return of Luis Diaz, yet they continue to face significant defensive challenges. Their recent match resulted in their second clean sheet in nine qualifiers, achieved only against weaker opponents like Peru and Chile.
On the flip side, Argentina will benefit from a full-fledged Lionel Messi on the pitch and the return of several key midfielders.
Historically, Colombia hasn’t secured a victory on Argentine soil since their remarkable 5-0 qualifying triumph in 1993, and there’s little indication that this trend will change.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Colombia
Broadcast details for Argentina vs. Colombia
| Country | Date | Time | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Tue, Jun. 10 | 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT | Telemundo | Fubo, ViX |
| Canada | Tue, Jun. 10 | 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT | — | Fanatiz, Onefootball |
| UK | Wed, Jun. 11 | 1 a.m. BST | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Player |
| Australia | Wed, Jun. 11 | 12 p.m. AEST | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | Wed, Jun. 11 | 5:30 a.m. IST | — | Fanatiz, Onefootball |
This CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier will be broadcast in the USA on Telemundo in Spanish, which can be streamed via Fubo, offering a free trial for newcomers.
For regions without a dedicated broadcaster for this match, viewers can find it streaming on Fanatiz or Onefootball.
