Is Lionel Messi in the lineup for Argentina today? Get the latest team news updates for the Chile World Cup qualifying match

Lionel Messi's leadership and skill were instrumental in guiding Argentina to their second consecutive Copa America victory this year, cementing their status as South American champions.

The 37-year-old's influence was keenly felt throughout the tournament even though he sustained an injury in their 1-0 final win over Colombia, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner in extra time.

Lionel Scaloni's team return to action this month for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. The defending champions from the 2022 tournament in Qatar won five of their opening six CONMEBOL qualifiers and are in a strong position to secure their place at the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Sporting News has the latest lineup information and whether Messi is involved in their latest game.

MORE: All the latest soccer action | Lionel Messi news

Messi will not be involved in Argentina's match against Chile today. The Albiceleste captain is still recovering from the ankle injury he sustained in the final of the Copa America.

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino hopes to have the forward back to full fitness for the latter part of the MLS regular season this year.

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According to journalist Gaston Edul, Argentina will line up with Julian Alvarez joining Lautaro Martinez and Nico Gonzalez in a front three.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez is tipped to start at left-back.

Argentina predicted lineup XI (4-3-3, right to left): Em. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Li. Martinez — De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, En. Fernandez — J. Alvarez, La. Martinez, N. Gonzalez.

For Chile, veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has retired from international play at 41, while both Alexis Sanchez and Diego Valdes are sidelined due to injuries.

Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, and Francisco Sierralta have all been excluded from Gareca's squad. The only uncapped player included is goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who is competing with Gabriel Arias and Brayan Cortes for the starting spot.

Eduardo Vargas and Ben Brereton Diaz are expected to lead the attack.

Chile predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Arias (GK) — Isla, Lichnovsky, Maripan, Mena — Nunez, Pulgar, Echeverria — Osorio, Vargas, Brereton Diaz

This World Cup qualifying match takes place at El Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 9 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories: