Lionel Messi to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers with injury
Football legend Lionel Messi will not take part in Argentina's impending FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the same while announcing the 28-man squad for these matches scheduled for September 5 and 10. Messi is currently recuperating from an ankle (right) injury that has sidelined him. Argentina currently lead the South American qualifiers with 15 points.
Di Maria also absent from Argentina's squad
In addition to Messi's absence, the 36-year-old Angel Di Maria will also not be part of the team. Di Maria recently retired from international football following Argentina's victory in the Copa America. Argentina had beaten Colombia to win their 16th Copa America title on July 15. Despite these key absentees, Argentina remain a strong contender in the World Cup qualifiers.
A look at Argentina's squad
Goal-keepers: Walter Benítez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, and Emiliano Martinez. Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Valentin Barco. Mid-fielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Fernandez, Rodrigo de Paul, and Nico González. Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Matias Soule, Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez both, Valentín Carboni, Lautaro Martínez, and Valentin Castellanos.
Messi's ankle injury
Messi is yet to recover from the ankle injury he suffered during the Copa America final. The Argentine injured his right ankle in the first half. He played through pain in the second half before being taken off the field in the 66th minute. Inter Miami later revealed that Messi suffered ligament damage and could be out indefinitely. After winning the final, Messi became the most successful footballer with 45 titles.
Argentina lead South American qualifiers
As mentioned, Argentina currently lead the South American qualifiers with 15 points. They will face Chile on September 5 and Colombia on September 10. The top-six CONMEBOL teams will directly qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
