Messi returns for WC qualifiers against Brazil, Colombia

Buenos Aires: Having fully recovered from a groin injury, Barcelona star Lionel Messi was named on Friday in Argentina's squad to face Brazil and Colombia in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Messi has been in fine form for Barcelona since coming back from his latest niggling injury, scoring four goals in two matches, including a superb hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

He has not played for his country since scoring the winner in a 1-0 win against Uruguay on Sept 1.

In his absence, Argentina drew 2-2 away to Peru and lost 1-0 at home to Paraguay, putting it in fifth place and out of the top four positions that ensure a direct spot for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Messi's return will be in Belo Horizonte against leaders Brazil, which has won its four first matches under new coach Tite. Five days later, Edgardo Bauza's Argentina side hosts fourth-place Colombia.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nahuel Guzman, Sergio Romero, Geronimo Rulli;

Defenders: Martin Demichelis, Mateso Musacchio, Nicolas Otamendi, Ramiro Funes Mori, Gabriel Mercado, Facundo Roncaglia, Emanuel Mas, Pablo Zabaleta;

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Guido Pizarro, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Enzo Perez, Nicolas Gaitan, Angel Di Maria, Julio Buffarini, Marcos Acuna;

Strikers: Angel Correa, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Lucas Pratto.

PTI