Lionel Messi Left Out of Argentina’s Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final. Despite his absence, Argentina still boasts a strong squad including Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Angel Di Maria will also be missing due to retirement.

Star forward Lionel Messi has been excluded from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. The 2022 World Cup winner has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia last month, where he left the pitch in tears in the 66th minute after being substituted by Nico Gonzalez.

During the first half, Messi took a heavy challenge from Arias but continued playing despite a limp. His injury worsened in the second half after another tackle. With Messi out, Argentina still has a formidable attacking lineup featuring Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, and Valentin Castellanos.

Messi's injury also saw him miss the MLS All-Star game and Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defense. Additionally, Argentina will be without star winger Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after their 1-0 win in the Copa America 2024 final. In defense, experienced players like Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, and Cristian Romero are included, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be between the posts.

The midfield will rely on the creativity and defensive support of Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo de Paul. Argentina will face Chile on September 6 and will go up against Colombia on September 10, the team they defeated in the Copa America final.

Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), German Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyon), Valentin Barco (Brighton). Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Guido Rodriguez (West Ham), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadisiya), Rodrigo de Paul (Atletico Madrid), Nico Gonzalez (Fiorentina).

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Matias Soule (Roma), Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez both (Atletico Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Olympique Marseille), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) and Valentin Castellanos (Lazio).

(With inputs from agencies.)