BUENOS AIRES: 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.

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The reigning world champions will also be without Angel Di Maria after the veteran winger’s international retirement.

Argentina are currently at the top of South America 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 Sept 6, before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez; Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentin Barco; Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Ezequiel Fernandez, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso; Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Valentin Carboni, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Valentin Castellanos, Matias Soule, Paulo Dybala.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2024