Lionel Messi, the star player for Argentina, has unfortunately been left off the latest national team roster. This decision comes as Messi continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final in July. The injury, which occurred in the first half of the final, forced Messi to leave the field in the 66th minute. Inter Miami CF later confirmed that Messi had suffered ligament damage and would be out indefinitely. Since the final, Messi has not made any appearances on the field and has been focused on gym work to aid his recovery process.
With Messi’s absence, the Argentina national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, will need to rely on other players as they face Chile and Colombia in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. This will be a significant challenge for the team, as Messi’s presence and contribution are often crucial in key matches. Additionally, the retirement of Ángel Di María further complicates the team’s attacking options. In response to these changes, Scaloni has included Julián Álvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Lautaro Martínez in the latest squad.
Despite the absence of key players, Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 15 points from six games. Their victory over Brazil in November showcased their strength and determination as a team. On the other hand, 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 standings will secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will have a chance to compete for a spot through additional playoffs.
Looking at the composition of the Argentina national team roster, there are several key players who will need to step up in the absence of Messi and Di María. The goalkeepers include Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Walter Benítez, and Juan Musso. The defensive line features players like Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and more. In the midfield and attacking positions, players like Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martínez, and Nicolás González will play crucial roles in the upcoming matches.
While the absence of Lionel Messi is a significant loss for the Argentina national team, it presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success. Coach Scaloni’s decisions in selecting the squad will play a crucial role in determining the team’s performance in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Argentina will need to work together as a cohesive unit to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup.