Argentina vs. Colombia: Predicted lineups with Lionel Messi confirmed as a starter

Argentina and Colombia will square off this Tuesday, June 10, in one of the most exciting matchups of the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The game will be played at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental, kicking off at 8PM ET.

The June FIFA international window comes to a close this Tuesday, June 10, leaving only two matchdays remaining in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The most anticipated matchup of the day features Argentina and Colombia, set to kick off at 8PM ET at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The reigning world champions, Argentina, are coming off a narrow 1-0 win over Chile last Thursday, with Julián Álvarez scoring the lone goal. In that match, Lionel Messi came off the bench and played for about 30 minutes, but head coach Lionel Scaloni has already confirmed that the captain will be in the starting lineup against Colombia.

As for Colombia, the 2024 Copa América runners-up are going through a rough patch. The team is currently on a five-game winless streak, most recently drawing 0-0 with Peru in Barranquilla during the last round.

The last meeting between Argentina and Colombia took place in September 2024, just two months after the Copa América final. Colombia won that match 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Yerson Mosquera and James Rodríguez.

Projected Starting XI – Argentina vs. Colombia

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Valentín Barco; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.

Colombia: David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sánchez, Cristian Borja; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodríguez; Jhon Arias, Luis Díaz, Jhon Durán.