Lionel Messi not included in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifying squad

Argentina will face Chile and Colombia in crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers this September, but legendary captain Lionel Messi will not be in attendance.

Argentina won the Copa America in the United States this summerLionel Messi lifted his third major trophy as captain of his country. However, the No.10 was in tears as he limped off the field with a serious ankle injury in the final against Colombia.

Messi was expected to be able to participate in the next round of international matches, but the Argentina team has announced the match list, but Messi is not included in the list.

Perhaps this is a precautionary measure by the Argentina management team, knowing that they are in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. After all, why would you risk losing your captain to a magical captain? Lionel Messi’s recovery from injury may not have been affected, but his performance on the pitch could jeopardize his long-term health, and for the 37-year-old Messi, this is not a wise move.

It is well known that Messi hates to sit on the bench, whether it is a World Cup final or a 5-0 international friendly. Messi’s exclusion from the squad means he no longer has to worry and he can watch the game from the comfort of his home in Miami while he continues his recovery.

Argentina still has qualifiers in October and November, so Messi may soon be wearing an Argentina shirt again. Chile, their September opponents, are not doing well and should not cause Argentina any problems. Colombia, however, is the real challenge.

The team that Argentina beat in the Copa America final this summer is a strong team that will be tough to beat at the best of times. Argentina will next travel to Barranquilla on Colombia’s Caribbean coast for their game.

Argentina’s early kick-off was a tactical move by the host team to take advantage of the weather and give the visitors a hard time. Of course, Argentina also had to face a team looking to avenge their Copa America final defeat. For Messi, missing this game was not a bad thing for many reasons.

Regardless of the outcome of the September international break, Argentina remains one of the favourites to advance in October, and Lionel Messi will be able to return to the team at 100% fitness without any pressure.

Messi’s absence also gives Argentina the chance to plan for life without the legendary player. After all, Lionel Messi is set to retire at some stage in the next few years, so it will be interesting to see how his compatriot fares without him.

Argentina, without Messi, will face the Buenos Aires Monumental Stadium They will face Colombia away on September 9. Currently, they are at the top of the qualifying table with 15 points from six opening games.