Messi out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers due to injury

BUENOS AIRES: Renowned Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi was omitted from the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to an ongoing injury.

The 37-year-old forward has not played since the Copa America final on July 14. He was sidelined with a right ankle injury.

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In the fateful match held at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Colombia, with Messi playing a central role in the team’s success.

Lionel Messi sustained an injury just past the hour mark of the Copa America final. It occurred when he appeared to slip on the pitch.

The extent of the injury was initially unclear, forcing Inter Miami to announce that Messi had suffered ligament damage and would be out indefinitely. The club’s head coach Tata Martino stated that further tests were necessary to assess the severity of the injury and determine an appropriate recovery plan.

During the final, Messi showed visible signs of discomfort and required medical attention on the field before being substituted. Despite his evident desire to continue playing, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi had no option but to leave the match.

Messi appeared visibly emotional on the substitutes’ bench, later rejoined his teammates to lift the Copa America trophy during the post-match celebrations.

Messi’s absence from the World Cup qualifiers is a significant setback for Argentina.

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Inter Miami, Messi’s club, is also closely monitoring his recovery. The team’s fortunes last season were heavily reliant on Messi’s presence, and his absence highlighted his central role within the squad.

Inter Miami has indicated that they will be cautious with Messi’s return, aiming to avoid any further strain on his injured ankle.