Argentina's star player Lionel Messi has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers
New Delhi [India], August 20 : Star forward Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The 2022 World Cup champion has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia last month. Messi left the field in tears after being substituted by Nico Gonzalez in the 66th minute of the final.
In the first half, Messi endured a significant knock from a challenge by Arias. Although he initially continued playing with a slight limp, his condition worsened in the second half when he was tackled again.
Despite Messi's absence, Argentina has a formidable attacking lineup. Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone, and Valentin Castellanos will aim to step up in Messi's place.
Since his injury, Messi has also missed the MLS All-Star game and Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defense.
Additionally, Argentina will be without their star winger, Angel Di Maria, who ended his international career following Argentina's 1-0 victory in the Copa America 2024 final.
In defense, Argentina will benefit from the experience of Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, and Cristian Romero.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to be the last line of defense for Argentina.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo de Paul will provide creativity and defensive support.
Argentina will face Chile on September 6 and their Copa America final opponent, Colombia, on September 10.
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 and Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Olympique Marseille), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), and Valentin Castellanos (Lazio).