Lionel Messi is ready to take on the world again after he spearheaded Argentina 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
It will be the first time the 35-year-old will return to international action after guiding the Albiceleste to their first World Cup glory since 1986 and the third World Cup crown in the history of the tournament.
Lionel Messi produced a man-of-the-match performance to fire Argentina pass France in the finals at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, ending his World Cup trophy deadlock after 18 years of professional career.
Lionel Messi back to first international action after World Cup triumph
After steering Argentina to the World Cup final, Lionel Messi has hinted at his imminent retirement from international football but reversed his decision after winning the trophy with the Albiceleste.
The Barcelona legend said he will continue to play as a World Champion.
Lionel Messi will return to action for the Albiceleste in the March international break. The team is scheduled for a double header friendly against Panama and Curacao.
He shared a shot of his posing with some of his teammates on social media as they head into the break.
The two games will be Argentina’s first return to international action after the historic triumph in Qatar.
Argentina Squad For international Friendly
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had named Argentina’s squad for the double header clash against Panama and Curacao.
The team will wear a World Cup crest on the shirt in the two friendlies as they aimed to consolidate their status as World Champions.
Lionel Messi is two goals from hitting his 100th goal for Argentina
After his 8 goals haul for Argentina in Qatar, Lionel Messi increased his goal tally for Argentina national team to 98 goals and is set to hit the 100-goal mark if he scores in the next two games in the international friendly this month.
Lionel Messi still holds the captain badge of the Albiceleste and is expected to lead the team to another triumph in the two friendly games.
A set of new faces who did not make it to the World Cup in Qatar are named in the squad. Leading the new names is Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho was poised to make his first senior national team appearance for Argentina but was dealt with an injury blow in Manchester United’s stalemate draw with Southampton in the Premier League before the break.
Other new names in the squad include Nehuen Perez, Lautaro Blanco, Maximo Perrone, Buonanotte, Buendia, and Valentin Carboni.
Defenders: Juan Fyoth, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Neuhen Perez, German Pezzella Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcus Acuna,
Midfielders: Lautaro Blanco, Leonardo Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Guido Rodriguez, Maximo Perrone, Exequiel Palacios, Facundo Bunanotte, Rodrigo de Paul, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso
Attackers: Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Alejandro Garnacho, Alejandro Gomez, Angel Correa, Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Gonzalez Valentin Carboni, Emiliano Bunedia.
Argentina international friendly fixture and how to watch
Lionel Messi will lead his teammates against Panama on Friday 24 in – the first match before taking on Curacao on Tuesday, 28.
The matches will be streamed live on beIN SPORTS and other online streaming platforms.
