Argentina vs. Chile odds, prediction, pick, live stream World Cup qualifying: Will Lionel Messi play?

After a nearly year-long break to focus on the Copa America, South American teams resume their campaign to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, with Argentina's clash with Chile headlining the day's action.

Argentina play their first home game since winning the Copa America in July , continuing an excellent streak of results since winning the previous edition of the competition in 2021 and lifting the 2022 World Cup. Lionel Scaloni also currently sit atop CONMEBOL's 10-team World Cup qualifying table with five wins in their first six games, two points ahead of Uruguay.

They will continue World Cup qualifying without star Lionel Messi, who is still sidelined with an ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final though he is expected to return sometime this month for Inter Miami . Even in his absence, they are the heavy favorites against Chile, who are eighth place and have won once in six World Cup qualifiers.

Here's what you need to know before tuning in.

How to watch and dods

• Date : Thursday, Sept. 5 | Time : 8 p.m. ET
• Location : Estadio Monumental -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
• TV: Universo | Live stream: Fubo TV ( try for free )
• Odds: Argentina -320; Draw +400; Chile +850

Storylines

Argentina have run into few stumbling blocks in recent years, with and without Messi, and so the expectation is that they will pick up another three points on Thursday against Chile. It helps that a lot of their Copa America-winning roster is returning for this month's World Cup qualifiers, including Lautaro Martinez. The Inter forward capped off a golden boot and title-winning season in Serie A by becoming the Copa America's top goalscorer, scoring five goals in six games including the lone goal in the final against Colombia.

Martinez's performance this summer, as well as this month's fixtures, perhaps offer Argentina a chance to plan for life after Messi. Though the 37-year-old has not announced any retirement plans, he's battled niggling injuries for about a year and Argentina may no longer be able to rely on him as they once did. This month's World Cup qualifiers could provide some clues, especially with a much-anticipated match against Colombia coming up a few short days after the game against Chile.

Prediction

With or without Messi, Argentina have all the tools they need to resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on a victorious note. Martinez could be one of many Scaloni relies on, but whatever combination of players he selects, the hosts are expected to handle the task with relative ease. Pick: Argentina 2, Chile 0