Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, addressed the absence of the 37-year-old Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi from the national team for the September training camp.
All About Argentina quotes Scaloni as saying:
I spoke personally with Leo before announcing the squad to see how he was doing. He hadn’t been training, and it was too soon to include him in this list. He told me that he’s improving and that it’s just a matter of time before he can play with his team.
In September, Argentina will play two World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Chile on September 6 and Colombia on September 10. After six rounds, Scaloni’s team leads their qualifying group with 15 points.
It’s worth noting that Messi suffered an ankle injury in mid-July during the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia, which Argentina won 1-0.
Messi has represented the Argentina national team since 2006 and is a World Cup champion, an Olympic champion, a two-time Copa America winner, and a Finalissima champion.
Earlier, Argentine President Javier Milei condemned the attack on the legendary 37-year-old footballer's home in Ibiza by eco-activists.