Argentina coach hopeful of Lionel Messi’s return in October

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has said he is hopeful he will have Lionel Messi available for the World Cup qualifiers in October.

Messi, 37, has not played since sustaining a right ankle injury during the Copa América final against Colombia on July 14.

The Argentina captain recently returned to train with Inter Miami and could feature in Saturday’s MLS game against Philadelphia.

“We hope he starts to play,” Scaloni said of Messi. “When we give the next [squad] list [in October], we will be in contact with him as we do with everyone. Then we will see if he is available to return.”

Argentina strengthened their grip at the top of their qualifying group with a 3-0 win over Chile on Thursday without their all-time leading scorer Messi.

The World Cup holders are four points clear of Uruguay ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Colombia in Barranquilla.

Scaloni is pleased with how the team is responding without Messi.

“It is difficult for a football team not to be dependent on Leo [Messi],” Scaloni said. “It happened in every team he was in, you have a unique footballer. The good thing about this team is that we have an idea of the game beyond who is on the field, although the performers can change.

“Without Leo, we try to do the same, but without that final touch that he has. All the players know what they have to do regardless of who is on the field.”