Original headline: Lionel Messi to Miss SA World Cup Qualifiers Due to Ankle Injury
Rewritten headline (in the style of 90min): Leo Messi Ruled Out for Critical SA World Cup Qualifers as Ankle Injury Brings Him Down
Intro:
Lionel Messi – the Argentine football legend – has been written off for the upcoming South American qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to his ongoing ankle injury. The 28-man squad announced by Argentina’s Football Association on Monday shocked fans worldwide, as Messi wouldn’t be joining his teammates for critical matches.
Body:
Back in July, Messi sustained a grueling ankle injury during the prestigious Copa America final in the United States. Being the dedicated athlete he is, even a minor setback wouldn’t push him to the sidelines. Unfortunately, the Argentina captain is still undergoing careful recovery at his club, Inter Miami.
Joining Messi on the benches are goalkeeper Franco Armani from River Plate and striker Ángel Di María who recently announced his retirement from the national side.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has filled the void with fresh faces- midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez and striker Valentin Castellanos. Additionally, he’s called for several young players with limited international experience in Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Carboni, Valentin Barco, and Matias Soule.
Argentina will face Chile on Sept 5 at the iconic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, followed by matches against Colombia on Sept 10
Summary:
Argentina’s 28-Man Squad for SA World Cup Qualifyers:
Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (River Plate), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Juliano Simeone