Lionel Messi of Argentina is seen ahead of the final match of Copa America at Hard Rock Stadium in … [+] Miami, Florida, United States on July 14, 2024.
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Argentina take on Chile and Colombia in crucial FIFA World Cup qualification matches this September, but legendary captain Lionel Messi will not be in attendance.
Argentina won the Copa América in the U.S.A this summer, and Lionel Messi lifted his third major trophy as captain of the national team. However tears were shed by the number 10 as he limped off during the final against Colombia, after sustaining a nasty ankle injury.
Messi was expected to be fit for the next set of internationals, but Argentina have announced their squad for the fixtures and Lionel has not been included.
Perhaps it’s a precautionary move from an Argentina management team that knows they are in a good position in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. After all, why would you risk captain fantastic? It’s likely that Lionel Messi’s injury recovery hasn’t faltered, but instead that his presence on the pitch might risk his long term fitness, and at the age of 37 that wouldn’t be a sensible move.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami looks on during the second half of the game against the Toronto FC … [+] at Chase Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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It’s well documented that whether it’s the World Cup final or an international friendly with a 5-0 scoreline, Messi hates sitting on the bench. Leaving Messi out of the squad means that won’t be a worry and he can watch the games from the comfort of home in Miami whilst he continues his recovery.
Argentina also have qualifying games in October and November, so it probably won’t be long before Messi is seen in an Argentina shirt again. September opponents Chile have been poor and they shouldn’t trouble Argentina. Colombia presents a real challenge though.
The side that Argentina defeated in the Copa final this summer are a physical force that are intense to play against at the best of times. In their next encounter Argentina travel to the oven that is Barranquilla on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Argentina face an early kick-off time, picked tactically by the home nation in order to take advantage of the climate and make their visitors suffer. Of course Argentina also face a side looking for revenge for their Copa America final defeat. For a number of reasons, it’s not a bad game for Lionel Messi to miss.
Whatever happens in the September international window, Argentina will still be amongst the favourites to qualify come October, and Lionel Messi will be able to return to the squad at 100% fitness without any pressure.
The absence of Messi also gives Argentina the opportunity to plan for life without the legend. After all, Lionel Messi will have to retire at some stage in the next few years, so it will be interesting to see how his countrymen set up without him.
Argentina, without Lionel Messi, will take on Chile on September 4th in the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and Colombia away from home on September 9th. They currently sit top of the qualifying leaderboard with 15 points from their six opening games.
James Rodriguez #10 of Colombia and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina hug before the match between … [+] Colombia and Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL.
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Publish date : 2024-08-19 06:21:00
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