Lionel Messi Sidelined Due to Injury as Argentina Announce Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
New Delhi: Lionel Messi, Argentina’s legendary captain, has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to a right ankle injury. The Argentine Football Association announced the 28-man squad on Monday, with the absence of the 37-year-old star being a significant talking point. Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, sustained the injury during the Copa America final in the United States last month and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at his club in hopes of a full recovery.
Messi’s absence is a considerable setback for Argentina, who are leading the South American World Cup qualifying group with 15 points from six matches. The team will need to proceed through these crucial qualifiers without their iconic forward, who has played a pivotal role in their recent successes.
In addition to Messi, goalkeeper Franco Armani and forward Ángel Di María are also missing from the squad. Di María recently announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s Copa America triumph, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has introduced fresh faces into the squad, including midfielder Ezequiel Fernández and striker Valentín Castellanos. These new additions highlight Scaloni’s commitment to nurturing a squad for the future, with a focus on integrating younger talent. Rising stars such as Alejandro Garnacho, Valentín Carboni, Valentín Barco, and Matías Soulé have also been called up, offering them valuable international experience.
Argentina is set to face Chile on September 5 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, followed by a critical match against Colombia in Barranquilla on September 10. Despite the absence of key players, the squad remains formidable, with seasoned professionals like Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Leandro Paredes, and Rodrigo De Paul ready to lead the charge.
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