Messi out of Argentina's World Cup qualifiers
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced on Monday evening the list of players called up to face Chile and Colombia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Argentine star Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami player, was absent from the 2024 Copa America champions list due to injury, as the Tango will meet Chile on September 6, and then meet Colombia on September 10 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Argentina national team list is as follows: Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Emiliano Martinez. Defense line: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentino Barco. Midfield: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Giovani Lo Celso, Ezequiel Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Matias Sole, Juliano Simeone, Valentin Carbone. Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Valentin Castellanos.
