That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening as Brazil continue to be inconsistent, Colombia remain difficult to beat, and Bolivia have won a pair of September matches to thicken the plot in the race for the final spots.

With Lionel Messi missing considerable time for Inter Miami in the past month, the 36-year-old's fitness has been a consistent question, and now that he's been called up for Argentina duty, his availability is a notable talking point.