BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will be sidelined for Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to an injury. Coach Lionel Scaloni has called up Roma forward Paulo Dybala as Messi’s replacement.
Messi has been unavailable for Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final. Dybala, who has not played for the national team since March 2023, might get a chance to add to his 38 international caps in Messi’s absence.
Additionally, Argentina will be missing veteran winger Angel Di Maria, who has retired from international football.
The reigning world champions are leading the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The top six teams from the 10-nation qualifying table will secure automatic spots in the finals.
Argentina will face Chile at home on September 6, followed by a match against Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentin Barco
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Ezequiel Fernandez, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Valentin Carboni, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Castellanos, Matias Soule, Paulo Dybala
