Lionel Messi Arrives in Argentina for Double Header in South American Qualifiers

When Does the National Team Play?

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has arrived in Argentina to join the national team for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador.

Messi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, landed in Buenos Aires on Monday and was greeted by a large crowd of fans at the airport. He is expected to join the rest of the squad on Tuesday as they begin preparations for their first match against Venezuela on Friday.

Argentina are currently third in the South American qualifying standings, four points behind leaders Brazil. They need to finish in the top four to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Qatar next year.

Messi is the all-time leading scorer for Argentina with 80 goals in 162 appearances. He is also the captain of the team and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

The Argentina national team will play two matches in the South American Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The first match will be against Venezuela on Friday, March 25 at the Estadio La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. The second match will be against Ecuador on Tuesday, March 29 at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.

Argentina is currently third in the South American Qualifiers standings with 29 points, four points behind leaders Brazil. The top four teams in the standings will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

Messi is expected to play in both matches for Argentina. He is the team's captain and all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 162 appearances.

Argentina will be looking to secure two wins in these matches to improve their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. A win against Venezuela would move them into second place in the standings, while a win against Ecuador would give them a five-point lead over fifth-placed Colombia.

The matches will be broadcast live on ESPN and Fox Sports.