Messi Out of Crucial Matches
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, will miss the upcoming World Cup 2024 qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to an injury. The 37-year-old superstar is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury he suffered during Argentina’s Copa America 2024 final victory over Colombia in July. This injury has led to his absence from the 28-man squad announced by Argentina on Monday.
Key Players Also Missing
Alongside Messi, veteran goalkeeper Franco Armani from River Plate and Roma forward Paulo Dybala are also absent from the squad. Their omissions come as Argentina prepares for two critical matches in the South American qualifying group.
New Faces in the Squad
Argentina has introduced fresh talent into the squad. Midfielder Ezequiel Fernandez and striker Valentin Castellanos have received their first call-ups. Additionally, young prospects like Alejandro Garnacho, Valentin Carboni, Valentin Barco, and Matias Soule are included, marking a shift towards nurturing the next generation of Argentine football stars.
Argentina’s Upcoming Matches
Argentina, currently leading the 10-team South American qualifying group with 15 points from six games, will face Chile in Buenos Aires on September 5. Following that, they will travel to Barranquilla to play against Colombia on September 10. These matches are crucial as Argentina aims to secure its position in the World Cup 2024.
The Squad Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at Argentina’s squad:
- 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).
Argentina’s Path Forward
Without Messi, Argentina will rely on its depth and the rising stars to continue its successful run in the qualifiers. The team’s top position in the group is promising, but the absence of key players adds pressure to perform well in these upcoming matches. The inclusion of new players indicates Argentina’s strategy to blend experience with youth, aiming for both immediate success and long-term growth.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s injury is a significant blow for Argentina as they prepare for crucial World Cup 2024 qualifiers. However, with a strong squad and emerging talents, Argentina remains optimistic about securing victories in the upcoming matches. The team’s performance in these qualifiers will be closely watched as they strive to maintain their lead in the South American group. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
