Lionel Messi is expected to be handed a starting role in Argentina's 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Peru on Tuesday night.

The Inter Miami forward was named on the bench against Paraguay on Thursday, with Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni cautious over his fitness due to a recent leg injury.

However, Messi entered the field in the 53rd minute and finished the match unscathed, meaning that he is in line for a return to the XI against Peru in Argentina's fourth game in the section.

The 36-year-old is expected to take the place of Nicolas Gonzalez, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez set to retain their spots in the final third of the field.

Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez were substituted late on against Paraguay, but both were tactical changes, so the pair are fit to start against Peru.

Alexis Mac Allister played the full 90 minutes last time out and will continue in central midfield, while the goalscorer against Paraguay, Nicolas Otamendi, is set to feature at the back once again.

Lucas Ocampos and Alejandro Garnacho are among the other options in the final third of the field, and the pair will hope to be involved in some capacity on Tuesday.

Argentina possible starting lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez

Written by
Matt Law