The captain of the Argentine team, Lionel Messi, is back in his country for the qualifiers. (Free Press Photo: Messi-Instagram)

Lionel Messi, acclaimed with his eighth Ballon d’Or, returns to his homeland from Miami. The Rosario star joins the Argentine National Team to face two decisive matches in the South American Qualifiers: first against Uruguay in the Bombonera and then against Brazil in the imposing Maracaná.

Messi, after playing a friendly with Inter Miami in the US to celebrate his last Ballon d’Or, lands at the Ezeiza international airport around 10:30 in the morning. This return marks the beginning of a new stage for the football icon.

The agenda of the team led by Lionel Scaloni focuses on the two crucial confrontations. First of all, the Albiceleste team will host Uruguay at La Bombonera next Thursday the 16th at 9:00 p.m. Later, on Tuesday the 21st, they will face Brazil at the legendary Maracaná. Two classics that not only define the path to the 2026 World Cup, but also consolidate Argentine leadership in the Qualifiers.