Messi returns for Argentina qualifiers vs. Brazil & Colombia

Posted October 21, 2016 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Barcelona's Lionel Messi waits to take a free kick during a Champions League, Group C soccer match between Barcelona and Manchester City, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES (AP) - Having fully recovered from a groin injury, Barcelona star Lionel Messi was named on Friday in Argentina's squad to face Brazil and Colombia in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Messi has been in fine form for Barcelona since coming back from his latest niggling injury, scoring four goals in two matches, including a superb hat trick against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

He has not played for his country since scoring the winner in a 1-0 win against Uruguay on Sept. 1.

In his absence, Argentina drew 2-2 away to Peru and lost 1-0 at home to Paraguay, putting it in fifth place and out of the top four positions that ensure a direct spot for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Messi's return will be in Belo Horizonte against leaders Brazil, which has won its four first matches under new coach Tite.

Five days later, Edgardo Bauza's Argentina side hosts fourth-place Colombia.

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman, (Tigres), Sergio Romero (Manchester United), Geronimo Rulli, (Real Sociedad).

Defenders: Martin Demichelis (Espanyol), Mateso Musacchio (Villarreal), Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton), Gabriel Mercado, (Sevilla), Facundo Roncaglia (Celta Vigo), Emanuel Mas (San Lorenzo), Pablo Zabaleta, (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Guido Pizarro (Tigres), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ever Banega (Inter Milan), Enzo Perez (Valencia), Nicolas Gaitan (Atletico Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain), Julio Buffarini (Sao Paulo), Marcos Acuna (Racing Club).

Strikers: Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus), Paulo Dybala (Juventus), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Lucas Pratto (Atletico Mineiro).

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Barcelona's Neymar, from left to right, celebrate their fourth goal during a Champions League, Group C soccer match between Barcelona and Manchester City, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during a Champions League, Group C soccer match between Barcelona and Manchester City, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press

Barcelona's Lionel Messi applauds at the end of a Champions League, Group C soccer match between Barcelona and Manchester City, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. Barcelona won 4-0. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) The Associated Press

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