Image source: Tom Weller/dpa/AP
Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for the upcoming September World Cup qualifiers. The national team will face Chile and Colombia, but Messi will not be joining them as he recovers from an ankle injury.
The injury occurred during the Copa América final in July when Messi hurt his right ankle. He tried to continue playing but was forced to leave the field in the 66th minute.
Inter Miami CF confirmed that Messi has ligament damage. The club stated that he would be out indefinitely, focusing on his recovery. Since the final, Messi has not played or trained with his team. Instead, he has been working out in the gym separately.
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, will have to rely on other players for the upcoming matches. Argentina will host Chile on September 5 in Buenos Aires. Then, they will travel to Bogotá to face Colombia on September 10. Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 15 points from six games. Their last match was a 1-0 win against Brazil on November 21, 2023.
Colombia is in third place with 12 points, while Chile is struggling in eighth place with only five points. The top six teams in the CONMEBOL qualifiers will secure direct spots in the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team that finishes in seventh place will have to play in an additional playoff round for a chance to qualify.
Scaloni will also be missing Ángel Di María, who retired before the Copa América. Instead, Scaloni has included Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, and Lautaro Martínez among his attacking options.
Messi’s absence will be felt, but the team remains strong. Argentina aims to continue their success in the World Cup qualifiers and secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.
