Lionel Messi’s absence from the latest Argentina national team roster for the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia comes as a result of the ankle injury he sustained during the Copa América final in July. The injury, which saw Messi suffer ligament damage, has kept him out of action since the final match. Inter Miami CF, the player’s club team, announced that Messi would be out indefinitely as he focuses on his recovery. This setback raises concerns about the team’s performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
With Messi unavailable for selection, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni faces a significant challenge in finding suitable replacements for the star forward. Scaloni will have to rely on other players to step up and deliver strong performances in Messi’s absence. The coach has included players such as Julián Álvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Lautaro Martínez as potential attacking options in the squad. The team’s success in the upcoming matches will depend on how well these players can fill the void left by Messi.
Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 15 points from six games played. The team’s recent victory over Brazil further solidified their position at the top of the standings. However, with tough matches against Chile and Colombia on the horizon, Argentina will need to maintain their winning momentum to secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. The absence of key players like Messi and Ángel Di María, who recently announced his retirement, puts additional pressure on the team to perform at a high level.
Scaloni has named a squad with a mix of experienced and young players to face the upcoming challenges. The team’s goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards will need to work together effectively to compensate for the absence of key players. The inclusion of talented individuals like Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, and Lautaro Martínez in the squad provides a sense of optimism for Argentina’s prospects in the qualifiers. However, it remains to be seen how the team will cope without the presence of Messi on the field.
Lionel Messi’s absence due to injury presents a significant obstacle for Argentina’s national team as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers. The team’s success in these matches will hinge on the collective effort of the players and their ability to adapt to the absence of key individuals like Messi. Coach Scaloni will need to devise effective strategies to overcome this challenge and guide the team towards securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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