By Cheta Enyoghasi
Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury,
Messi has not played for Inter Miami since injuring his ankle in Argentina’s 1-0 Copa America triumph against Colombia.
The defending world champions will also be without Angel Di Maria, who has announced his international retirement.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala has been reinstated to Coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad on Monday.
Argentina currently leads South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The top six teams in the 10-nation table will automatically advance to the finals.
Scaloni’s team will host Chile on September 6 before meeting Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.
Below is the defending world champions Squad:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven/NED)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP).
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG)
