Lionel Messi dropped from Argentina squad

Defending World Cup winners Argentina are scheduled to play Chile and Colombia next.

Argentina men’s senior football team have announced their 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The Lionel Scaloni managed squad has many regular faces, but misses the biggest name among all. Legend Lionel Messi has not been included in the team.

Leo Messi suffered a severe injury on his right ankle while playing in the recently concluded Copa America 2024 final. The extent of the injury was such that it left the GOAT leaving the field, caught on the camera crying like a child. The former FC Barcelona player is still recovering from the wound and is not match-fit yet. So, Messi has been rested from the upcoming qualifiers.

Defending World Cup winners Argentina are scheduled to play Chile and Colombia next, on September 5 and 10 respectively. For these two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Scaloni announced a 28-member squad, where Messi was not a part owing to his injury. Another legend Angel Di Maria was also missed, as he retired from international football after the Copa America 2024.

La Seleccion have given chance to many youngsters in the new roster while keeping faith in their existing set of World and America champions. Alejandro Garnacho, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez are expected to lead the team in the forward-line, in the absence of the legendary wingers. 

Millions of Lionel Messi fans should also feel relaxed as their idol is getting match-fit very soon and can be seen on the pitch in the coming days, as per his Inter Miami CF coach Gerardo Martino.

Argentina National Team squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: 

Goalkeepers: Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Emiliano Martínez.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Germán Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Valentín Barco.

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández , Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Fernández, Rodrigo de Paul, Nico González.

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Matías Soulé, Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Valentín Carboni, Lautaro Martínez and Valentín Castellanos.