Why is Lionel Messi not in Argentina squad? 'GOAT' absence from Albiceleste World Cup qualifying fixtures explained

19-08-2024
3 min read
AP Photo

World Copa America holders Argentina are back in action in September with a World Cup qualification double-header against Chile and Colombia.

Lionel Scaloni’s men are riding high at the top of CONMEBOL’s fiercely competitive qualification section, two points ahead of Uruguay with six matches played.

Colombia are a point further back in third and will hope to gain ground when they welcome La Albiceleste to Barranquilla on September 10. Four days earlier, Argentina host Chile in Buenos Aires at the Monumental.

However, Lionel Messi will not be involved.

MORE: Sergio Busquets and Tata Martino concerned by Lionel Messi's injury return

Why is Lionel Messi not in the Argentina squad?

Messi has not played since injuring his right ankle during the 1-0 Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14.

In a statement, Inter Miami confirmed the 36-year-old had suffered ligament damage and would be out for an indefinite period.

He sat out the MLS All-Star Game and missed Inter’s unsuccessful defence of their League Cup crown.

Prior to facing Columbus Crew in the last 16 of that tournament, Inter coach Tata Martino said: “We don't have an estimate as to his return yet.”

The Herons return to MLS action against Cincinnati on August 24, a game that also looks likely to come too soon for Messi in light of his Argentina omission.

Argentina squad to face Chile and Colombia

Scaloni has named a 28-man squad, with uncapped forwards Giuliano Simeone and Taty Castellanos the main beneficiaries from Messi’s absence.

Player Position Club
Walter Benítez Goalkeeper PSV (Netherlands)
Gerónimo Rulli Goalkeeper Marseille (France)
Emiliano Martínez Goalkeeper Aston Villa (England)
Juan Musso Goalkeeper Atalanta (Italy)
Germán Pezzella Defender River Plate
Gonzalo Montiel Defender Sevilla (Spain)
Nicolás Otamendi Defender Benfica (Portugal)
Cristian Romero Defender Tottenham (England)
Nicolás Tagliafico Defender Lyon (France)
Nahuel Molina Lucero Defender Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Lisandro Martínez Defender Manchester United (England)
Leonardo Balerdi Defender Marseille (France)
Valentín Barco Defender Brighton (England)
Rodrigo De Paul Midfielder Atlético de Madrid (Spain
Leandro Paredes Midfielder Roma (Italy)
Alexis Mac Allister Midfielder Liverpool (England)
Enzo Fernández Midfielder Chelsea (England)
Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder Tottenham (England)
Valentín Carboni Midfielder Marseille (France)
Guido Rodríguez Midfielder West Ham (England)
Ezequiel Fernández Midfielder Al-Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia)
Nicolás González Forward Fiorentina (Italy)
Alejandro Garnacho Forward Manchester United (England)
Julián Álvarez Forward Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Lautaro Martínez Forward Inter (Italy)
Matías Soulé Forward Roma (Italy)
Giuliano Simeone Forward Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Taty Castellanos Forward Lazio (Italy)