October’s FIFA international break is here, bringing back the World Cup Qualifiers. Argentina, the reigning world champions and two-time Copa América winners, are preparing to return to the spotlight. The big news for Lionel Scaloni and his team is the return of their iconic number 10, Lionel Messi, who hasn’t played for the national team since the summer final against Colombia in the United States.

Argentina will face Venezuela on Thursday, October 10 (5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.), at the Monumental Stadium in Maturín as part of the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The Albiceleste currently lead the table with 18 points from 8 matches, while Venezuela’s Vinotinto have accumulated only 10 points. As such, Venezuela will be eager to make a statement against the world champions and edge closer to the top end of the table.

Will Messi play for Argentina against Venezuela this week?

Speaking to the press before departing Florida for Venezuela, Lionel Scaloni addressed both the match and logistical challenges caused by Hurricane Milton, which has impacted the team’s travel plans.

“Leo (Messi) is doing well. He’s played several games before joining us, and that’s what he needed—minutes on the field. Before the last call-up, we agreed that he should stay behind to regain match fitness. Now he’s fit and ready. He’ll be part of the team,” Scaloni confirmed, assuring Messi’s involvement in the match against Venezuela.

LIVE UPDATES: FOLLOW THE HURRICANE

When asked about Argentina’s plans regarding the wild weather hitting the US over recent days, Scaloni admitted that he had asked to travel today, but it wasn’t possible: “our flight was denied”, he said. “We will now travel tomorrow, weather permitting. We hope to train in the morning and leave in the afternoon. That’s all the information we have for now,” Scaloni explained regarding the disruption caused by the hurricane.

“We can’t land directly in Maturín; we’ll have to make a stopover since flights from U.S. soil aren’t allowed to land directly in Venezuela. These are things beyond our control, just bad luck. The most important thing is the safety of everyone here and the well-being of the people affected by the hurricane,” Scaloni added. The CONMEBOL qualifier between Venezuela and Argentina will be played on Thursday, October 10 with kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. If you are in the United States, tune into Fanatiz for all the action from the Matchday 9 qualifier.