Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo Messi's omission from the 2024 Ballon d'Or has created the 'end of an era' theme, and this has only been reinforced by the fact that Messi will miss Argentina's games against Chile and Colombia.
But this is not due to any retirement speculation. Messi he simply suffered an ankle injury in the Copa America final, which kept him away from the pitch all summer.
Injuries are therefore the reason why CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifiers have been postponed, as the reigning champions attempt to book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) in two years.
According to Scalonihe spoke with Messi and the latter told him that he was gradually recovering, but that he was not in good enough condition to play, which meant that it was simply wiser to leave him on the bench for the moment.
He did not rule out, however, that he could be considered for the November games where qualifying might have to be taken a little more seriously depending on the Results from Colombia and Chile.
“It will depend on whether he plays for his team,” Scalon“So that he can join us at the next convocation which is fast approaching,” I told journalists.
When does Argentina play?
The reigning Americas and world champions will host Team Chile at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, September 5, before facing Colombia on Tuesday, September 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
Another absence that has caught attention is that of Angel Di Maria who had already announced his retirement from the national team at the end of the Copa America after a few successful last years.
Argentina currently lead CONMEBOL's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 15 points from six matches, conceding just two goals. Uruguay are second with 13 points and Colombia third with 12 points.
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