2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Messi Out As Argentina Unveil Squad For Chile, Colombia clash

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury, with Paulo Dybala being recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad on Monday.

Messi has been sidelined for club side Inter Miami since sustaining an ankle injury during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final.

Roma forward Dybala, who hasn’t played for Argentina since March 2023, could have the chance 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, who recently retired from international duty.

Argentina currently leads South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The top six teams in the 10-nation group will qualify automatically for the tournament.

Scaloni’s squad will host Chile on September 6, followed by a match against Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.

Squad List:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven/NED)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP).

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Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG)

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Valentin Carboni (Monza/ITA), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio/ITA), Matias Soule (Roma/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Roma/ITA)

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