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![Argentina's forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, on October 10, 2023, ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier football matches against Paraguay and Peru. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q47THBBDDW5PFDZUGV6GNGLZR4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3afd2c206fab22efa8b28989d08b1c918528d9e78c8c08e56d47c348d577fbcd&width=400&height=225)
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![Argentina forward Lionel Messi shares a joke with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BJM73X4LICMCAGGDP2EG72WEXA.jpg?smart=true&auth=abca1d935407e68306d4cb370103ef843ab4e19f5968f0a8fb3f9fc1c1fee52b&width=400&height=225)
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![Argentina's forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, on October 10, 2023, ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier football matches against Paraguay and Peru. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q47THBBDDW5PFDZUGV6GNGLZR4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3afd2c206fab22efa8b28989d08b1c918528d9e78c8c08e56d47c348d577fbcd&width=400&height=225)
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Lionel Messi doubtful for Argentina World Cup qualifier as Vinicius Jr returns for Brazil
Messi, 36, teamed up with the World Cup winners after returning from injury as a second-half substitute for Inter Miami on Saturday
![Steve Luckings](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2Fc3f09fc7-120b-42cf-8d44-356b28942fc4.png?smart=true&auth=a93b70171c6cc57bca013126f7257d62461086283c1cf22d9d4adcdbc940d865&width=70&height=70)
Steve Luckings
October 12, 2023
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