Joe
Lionel Messi has been excluded from Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The decision follows the star forward’s ankle injury, sustained during the 2024 Copa America final. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, has not played since the injury and is focusing on his recovery, with both his club and national team prioritizing his return to full fitness.
Argentina, however, boasts a wealth of attacking talent to compensate for Messi’s absence. Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, and Valentin Castellanos are expected to lead the charge in finding the net for the reigning world champions.
Messi’s injury has already caused him to miss several key matches, including the MLS All-Star game and Inter Miami’s defense of the Leagues Cup. While the Herons prepare to return to domestic action on August 24 against FC Cincinnati, Messi remains sidelined and has yet to resume training.
Argentina will face Chile on September 6 and Colombia on September 10 as they seek to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The national team aims to defend their title and achieve back-to-back World Cup victories.
