Lionel Messi will not be suiting up for Argentina in their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Chile on Friday at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 37-year-old superstar was not included in the 28-man squad announced by head coach Lionel Scaloni last month for the qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Messi has been sidelined since suffering a high-ankle injury on July 14th during Argentina’s Copa America final victory against Colombia. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at his Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, and has recently returned to limited practice sessions.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino confirmed to The Athletic that, despite returning to training, Messi has not yet received medical clearance to play. Martino clarified that there are no changes to the projected timeline for Messi’s return, which remains sometime before the end of Inter Miami’s regular season on October 19th against the New England Revolution.
Argentina currently sits atop the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 15 points after securing five victories in their six matches played. In contrast, Chile is struggling in eighth place with just one win in their six games, including two draws and three losses.
The top six teams from the qualifying group will automatically qualify for the World Cup finals, scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The seventh-placed team will have the chance to compete in the inter-confederation play-off for a spot in the tournament.
