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regular-article-logo Sunday, 13 October 2024

Argentina to miss Injured captain Lionel Messi in South American World Cup qualifiers

37-year-old Messi was not included in the 28-man squad following an ankle injury sustained during last month's Copa America final in the US

Reuters Buenos Aires Published 21.08.24, 09:49 AM
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi File picture

Injured Argentina captain Lionel Messi was left out of the squad announced on Monday by the Argentine FA for next month's South American World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

The 37-year-old Messi was not included in the 28-man squad following an ankle injury sustained during last month's Copa America final in the United States.

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The Inter Miami player is currently recovering at his club.

River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani was also left out of the squad, as was striker Angel Di Maria, who announced his retirement from the national team after the Copa America.

Coach Lionel Scaloni named midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez and striker Valentin Castellanos for the first time, along with young players with few international caps, including Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Carboni, Valentin Barco and Matias Soule.

Argentina host Chile at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on September 5 before facing Colombia five days later in Barranquilla.

Defending World Cup champions Argentina lead the South American qualifying with 15 points after six matches. Colombia sit in third place on the standings with 12 points, while Chile struggle in eighth with just five points.

The top six CONMEBOL teams will earn direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

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