Lionel Messi recovers key Argentina teammate for World Cup Qualifiers vs Brazil and Uruguay

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers resume on March 20, with Lionel Messi and Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil in a crucial international window. Ahead of these fixtures, coach Lionel Scaloni has received a boost as Cristian Romero is fit and available to play.

The Tottenham defender had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, raising doubts about his participation in these encounters. However, he made his return to action on March 9, featuring for Spurs against Bournemouth, in which was his first appearance since December 8.

“After a difficult period full of things that happened in between, I am back with the group and happy to be able to help the team,” Romero shared on his official X account. Before linking up with the national team, he is focused on Tottenham’s Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar, where they aim to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

Romero, who features in Scaloni’s preliminary squad list for the upcoming matches, sees his availability as welcome news for Messi and Argentina, especially with several key players ruled out. Lisandro Martinez, who recently underwent surgery for a torn cruciate ligament, will miss the remainder of the season.

Romero in action Jagainst AFC Bournemouth (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Scaloni now has decisions to make in defense, with several options to step in. He could go with a veteran such as Nicolas Otamendi, or go with a youngster, such as 21-year-old Facundo Medina.

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Messi is managing his fitness ahead of international duty

While Lionel Messi is expected to join the squad, the 37-year-old captain has been managing his workload in recent weeks due to muscle fatigue. After featuring in Inter Miami’s first three matches of the season—scoring twice—he sat out games against Cavalier FC and Houston Dynamo.

“I want him out there as much as anyone because I know we’re stronger when Leo plays. I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot. But there are situations that need to be managed day by day,” Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi’s fitness before Miami’s match against Charlotte.

Argentina’s March qualifying schedule

Argentina will open their 2025 campaign on March 21 with a key match against Uruguay in Montevideo, a fixture that could be decisive in maintaining their position at the top of the standings. Four days later, they will host Brazil, with Neymar expected to play, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.