Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, has once again been sidelined from the national team roster due to an ongoing ankle injury sustained during the Copa América final in July of this year. Despite his efforts to play through the pain, Messi was eventually forced off the field in the 66th minute, leading to a diagnosis of ligament damage. This injury has kept him out of action since then, as he focuses on his recovery through separate gym work sessions.
Coach Scaloni’s Challenge Without Messi
With Lionel Messi absent from the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni faces the challenge of finding alternative options to lead the team to victory. The absence of Messi, combined with the retirement of Ángel Di María, puts the pressure on other players to step up and fill the void in the attacking front.
In the latest roster announcement, Coach Scaloni has included players such as Nicolás González, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and other promising talents to bolster the team’s attacking options. With Emiliano Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, and other experienced players in the squad, Argentina aims to maintain their lead in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina currently sits at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers standings with 15 points from six games, showcasing their dominance in the South American region. On the other hand, Colombia holds the third position with 12 points, while Chile struggles in eighth place with only five points. The top six teams in the qualifiers will secure direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will have a chance to compete in a playoff round.
As Lionel Messi continues his recovery process from the ankle injury, the Argentina national team faces a crucial period without their talismanic forward. Coach Scaloni’s selection of promising young talents and experienced veterans will be pivotal in maintaining their momentum in the World Cup qualifiers and solidifying their spot in the upcoming tournament. The absence of Messi presents a challenge, but also an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills and lead the team to success.
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