World number one Argentina National Football Team will be in action quickly after their recent Copa America 2024 triumph. The side has been in great form with every player on the field delivering his 100% for the side. The side played as a team and won as a team ever since their early exit from the FIFA 2018 World Cup. Since then the side has won every international trophy including two Copa America, Finalissima, and a World Cup. Lionel Messi has been their megastar as the instrumental captain led the side in three of the four competitions and even went on to win the Player of the Tournament award in those competitions. But at the Copa America 2024 tournament, Messi got injured and missed multiple matches for his MLS (Major League Soccer) club Inter Miami CF. This raises questions about his availability for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier match against Chile. Lionel Messi Shares Heartfelt Message After Luis Suarez Announces Retirement, Calls His Inter Miami Teammate ‘Unique’.

Even though Messi had a ‘not usual’ impact on the Copa America 2024 tournament with just one goal in the tournament; Lautaro Martinez, Angel di Maria, De Paul, Julian Alvarez, and defense helped the side to win an ‘expected’ trophy in the USA. But the side lacked the usual offensive play without Messi at his 100%. Their opponent Chile National Football Team on the other hand is facing tough decisions now after an early exit from the Copa America 2024 tournament. Their experienced stars have retired and the new-comers are yet to make a measurable impact on the games. Considering all these factors it is important to know coach Scolani’s take on Lionel Messi’s inclusion for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match against Chile.

Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Argentina vs Chile FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Match?

Lionel Messi is among the few ‘untouchables’ in any squad if he is available for the match. But the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to recover from the ankle injury and as mentioned earlier has already missed multiple league matches. Even though he has rejoined training with Inter Miami, Messi is unlikely to feature in the Argentina vs Chile World Cup qualifier match.  End of an Era: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Absent From Ballon d’Or 2024 Nominations for First Time in Over 20 Years.

Lionel Scaloni also currently sits atop CONMEBOL's 10-team World Cup qualifying table with five wins in their first six games, two points ahead of Uruguay. With this, the side has the liberty to rest their star player and even try some new tactics with the available squad to keep the ‘winning streak’ going for the mega tournaments. Messi will be missed for his ‘brilliance’ on the field but Argentina should be able to cope without their regular first-team captain.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2024 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).