BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury while Paulo Dybala was recalled to Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
Messi has not played with his club Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final in Miami, United States.
Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get a chance to make his 38th appearance for the national team in Messi’s absence.
The world champions will also be without the services of Angel Di Maria following the veteran winger’s retirement from international football.
Argentina currently top the South American zone qualifiers for the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The top six teams from 10 countries will automatically qualify for the finals.
Scaloni’s side will host Chile on September 6 before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.