Lionel Messi has a former Major League Soccer standout to thank for saving his return to Argentina on Thursday night. Now, Messi can focus on leading Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup later this week.
Argentina’s Thiago Almada, who played with Atlanta United in 2022-24, scored the game-tying goal to salvage a 1-1 draw with Colombia at Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Almada scored in the 81st minute, roughly three minutes after Messi was substituted out of the match after receiving the start in his first match in his home country this year.
Messi hit the deck several times after tough challenges by defenders, but appeared to leave the match unscathed. Messi will likely return to South Florida on Wednesday, and fit some practice time in with Inter Miami on Thursday and Friday before the first of three-group stage matches in the Club World Cup.
Messi and Inter Miami play in the Club World Cup opener against Egyptian club Al Ahly on Saturday night at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Messi did not score in his two-match stint with the national team before the tournament – Argentina beat Chile 1-0 last Thursday – but he did get a chance to reunite and practice with old teammates for the first time this year. He was unable to join them for two matches in March due to injury.
Liverpool standout Luis Díaz scored for Colombia in the 24th minute, nearly spoiling Messi’s return and scoring their second victory over the World Cup champions since the 2024 Copa America final.
Almada scored roughly 11 minutes after Argentina was forced to play with 10 men to close the match. Enzo Fernandez received a red card in the 70th minute, trying to connect with an airborne ball but kicking Colombia’s Kevin Castaño on the left side of his forehead.
Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win their second straight Copa America title on July 15, 2024. Colombia last beat Argentina 2-1 in a match where Messi did not play due to an ankle injury on Sept. 10, 2024.
Argentina already has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. But Messi has still yet to declare he will play in the tournament next year.
Argentina has three losses since Qatar World Cup win
Argentina has lost twice in their last 10 matches, but have three losses in their last 36 matches dating back to their opening loss to Saudi Arabia at the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Overall, Argentina has just five losses in their last 74 matches.
Argentina lost 2-0 to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America semifinals.
Argentina opened the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 22, 2022.
Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match on Nov. 17, 2023.
Argentina lost 2-1 to Colombia in a Copa America final rematch on Sept. 10 in a game Messi did not play due to an ankle injury.
Argentina fell 2-1 to Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match on Nov. 14, 2023.
Thiago Almada goal: Argentina 1, Colombia 1
Thiago Almada dribbled past two defenders and fired a right boot into the back of the net in the 81st minute to tie this match against Colombia, roughly three minutes after Lionel Messi left the match as a substitute.
Messi leaves the match in 78th minute: Colombia 1, Argentina 0
Lionel Messi’s night is over after he was substituted off the pitch in the 78th minute.
Luis Díaz goal: Colombia 1, Argentina 0
Luis Díaz dribbled past several defenders and scored in the 24th minute and Colombia leads Argentina 1-0. It was an impressive score from the Liverpool standout.
What time is the Argentina vs Colombia match?
The match begins at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).
How to watch Argentina vs Colombia on TV, live stream?
The match will be broadcast by Telemundo in the U.S. Here’s a link to watch soccer on Fubo.
Is Messi playing in Argentina vs. Colombia match?
Yes, Messi is expected to play and will be in the starting lineup.
Messi came off the bench in Argentina’s last match, playing nearly 40 minutes in their 1-0 win in Chile last Thursday. Julián Alvarez scored the only goal in the match.
Before re-joining Argentina earlier this month, Messi played in all seven of Inter Miami’s matches in May.
What are the CONMEBOL standings for World Cup 2026 qualifying?
Argentina has already qualified for the next World Cup, sitting atop the CONMEBOL standings with 34 points. Ecuador (24 points), Paraguay (24), Brazil (22), Uruguay (21) and Colombia (21) round out the top 6 from South America – all of which would qualify for the World Cup.
When does Messi play in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Messi and Inter Miami will play in the Club World Cup opener on Saturday against Egyptian side Al Ahly at 8 p.m. ET inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will also play FC Porto (Portugal) on June 19 in Atlanta and SE Palmeiras (Brazil) on June 23 in Miami to conclude the group stage.
Will Lionel Messi play in World Cup 2026?
Messi has yet to declare whether he will play in the next World Cup with Argentina, the defending champions.
The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.