Buenos Aires: Due to an injury, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi will miss his team’s World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia in March, next year.
His absence is a significant blow to the team’s chances in these crucial matches.
According to Xinhua, the 37-year-old was conspicuously absent from the Albiceleste’s 28-man roster announced on Monday. He continues to heal from an ankle ligament injury he sustained during Argentina’s Copa America final triumph against Colombia in July.
Paulo Dybala of Roma and veteran River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani were also withdrawn.
Midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez and striker Valentin Castellanos have been given their first call-ups, adding a fresh dynamic to the team. The inclusion of young talents Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Carboni, Valentin Barco and Matias Soule also promises an exciting future for the Albiceleste.
Argentina will meet Chile in Buenos Aires on September 5 and Colombia in Barranquilla five days later.
Despite Messi’s absence, the Albiceleste is currently at the top of the 10-team South American qualifying group, with 15 points from six games, a testament to the team’s strength and determination.
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Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Valentin Barco (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham United), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma).
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Matias Soule (AS Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Olympique Marseille), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio).
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IANS
Photo Credit: Instagram/Leo Messi
