After a seven-month hiatus from international duty, Argentina captain Lionel Messi rejoined his national squad for training on Monday, in preparation for their upcoming Conmebol World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia.

Messi, 37, last represented the reigning World Cup champions in November 2024.

A muscle injury subsequently sidelined him from the March doubleheader, a period during which Lionel Scaloni's team successfully secured their qualification for the next World Cup.

Messi arrived at the training complex named in his honor outside Buenos Aires for his first practice with the 'Albiceleste' in an extraordinary run of form with Inter Miami CF.

On Monday, he was named the MLS Player of the Week for second time in a row, after his involvement in all five of Miami's goals during their 5-1 victory over Columbus Crew last Saturday.

Argentina, currently leading the Conmebol standings with 31 points, is set to face Chile away on Thursday before hosting Colombia at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.