
Lionel Messi Starts for Argentina: Unveiling the Surprising Lineups for the High-Stakes Clash Against Colombia
As the June international window winds down this Tuesday, June 10, the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup teeter on the brink of their final stages, with just two matchdays left to shake up the standings. And oh boy, the headline act tonight couldn’t be more electrifying — Argentina hosting Colombia at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, kickoff set for 8PM ET. Argentina, fresh off a tight 1-0 triumph over Chile propelled by Julián Álvarez’s decisive strike, are rolling with confidence. Lionel Messi, who eased onto the pitch off the bench last game for about half an hour, is primed to start, per head coach Lionel Scaloni’s word. Meanwhile, Colombia — the 2024 Copa América silver medalists — find themselves stuck in a rut, grappling with a five-match winless stretch, including a goalless stalemate against Peru on home turf. These two sides last locked horns in September 2024, a mere two months post Copa América finale, with Colombia edging out a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Yerson Mosquera and James Rodríguez. If history is any indication, tonight promises drama, skill, and fierce rivalry.
The reigning world champions, Argentina, are coming off a narrow 1-0 win over Chile last Thursday, with Julián Álvarez scoring the lone goal. In that match, Lionel Messi came off the bench and played for about 30 minutes, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has already confirmed that the captain will be in the starting lineup against Colombia.
As for Colombia, the 2024 Copa América runners-up are going through a rough patch. The team is currently on a five-game winless streak, most recently drawing 0-0 with Peru in Barranquilla during the last round.
The last meeting between Argentina and Colombia took place in September 2024, just two months after the Copa América final. Colombia won that match 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Yerson Mosquera and James Rodríguez.
Confirmed Starting XI – Argentina vs. Colombia
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Colombia: Kevin Mier; Daniel Muñoz, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sánchez, Deiver Machado; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, James Rodríguez; Jaminton Campaz, Luis Díaz.
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