The 2022 World Cup-winning captain, Lionel Messi missed Argentina's match against Chile in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers on Friday, 6th September. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala ensured the hosts beat Chile (3-0) at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Did not make the squad for matches against Chile and Colombia: Messi
Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni announced the 28-member squad last month and surprisingly, the list did not feature the name of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. He will be out of the two qualifying matches that Argentina will play against Chile and Colombia.
He sustained a high ankle injury during on July 14th in Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa American final. Since then, he has not featured for club and country.
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Currently, he is recovering at Inter Miami, his Major Soccer League (MLS) club. Inter Miami's coach Tata Martino while speaking to The Athletic said, Messi has returned to practice but still does not have the clearance to play.
A thumping victory for Argentina without their talisman
Argentina found the back of the net in the 48th minute through Liverpool's midfielder Alexis Mac Allister who converted the cross from Julian Alvarez. It was then time for the assist maker, Julian Alvarez to get on the scoresheet after converting a long-range effort in the 84th minute.
After coming on in the 79th minute, substitute Paulo Dybala found the back of the net in the stoppage time to seal the deal and the assist was made by none other than the rising youngster, Alejandro Garnacho. With this victory, Argentina tops the table with 18 points, having won 6 and lost just one in seven matches. They will now take on Colombia on 11th September, Wednesday.
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