Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia through injury, with Paulo Dybala recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad on Monday.
Messi has not played for club side Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final.
Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get an opportunity to add to his 38 caps in Messi’s absence.
The reigning world champions will also be without Ángel Di María after the veteran winger’s international retirement.
Argentina are currently top of South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The top six teams in the 10-nation table will qualify automatically for the finals.
Scaloni’s men will host Chile on September 6, before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, England), Juan Musso (Atalanta, Italy), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille, France), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands).
Defenders: Manchester United’s Ronaldo (Spain) is the only team that has scored 1.8 goals in 1.
Midfielders: Guido Rodríguez (West Ham United, England), Leandro Paredes (Roma, Italy), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, England), Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Ezequiel Fernández (Al Qadsiah, Saudi Arabia), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, England), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Nicolás González (Fiorentina, Italy).
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United, England), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, Italy), Valentin Carboni (Monza, Italy), Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio, Italy), Matias Soule (Rome, Italy), Paulo Dybala (Rome, Italy).
– TIMES/AFP
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