BREAKING: Messi Misses Out as Argentina Name Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina has announced their 28-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, and the news is both surprising and disappointing for fans – none other than captain Lionel Messi has been ruled out due to injury.
The 37-year-old superstar has been struggling with an ankle ligament injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa America victory over Colombia in July, and it looks like he won’t be ready to take the field in time for the crucial matches against Chile and Colombia. This is a huge blow to the team, considering Messi’s leadership and goal-scoring ability.
Veteran goalkeeper Franco Armani and Roma forward Paulo Dybala have also been left out of the squad, while young talents Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Castellanos, and Matias Soule have been called up for the first time. Ezequiel Fernandez, another newcomer, makes his debut in the midfield.
So, what does this mean for Argentina’s chances in the World Cup qualifiers? They’re currently top of the South American qualifying group with 15 points from six games, but they’ll be without their star player. This is a huge test for the team and will require them to dig deep and show their resilience.
Here’s the full squad for your viewing pleasure:
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), Valentin Barco (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham United), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Leandro Paredes (AS Roma)
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Matias Soule (AS Roma), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Valentin Carboni (Olympique Marseille), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio)
What do you think about Messi’s absence from the squad? Will Argentina be able to still secure a spot in the World Cup without their star player?
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