On Friday, September 6, Argentina’s match against Chile in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers was missed by captain Lionel Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup. At the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, goals from Paulo Dybala, Julian Alvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister guaranteed that the hosts defeated Chile (3-0).
Messi couldn’t be part of the squad due to injury
Surprisingly, when Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni revealed the 28-man roster last month, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi’s name was missing. He was ruled out of Argentina’s two qualifying matches against Colombia and Chile.
He is currently rehabbing at his Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Inter Miami. Tata Martino, the coach of Inter Miami, stated to The Athletic that although Messi has resumed practice, he is still not cleared to play. On July 14, during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final, he suffered a high ankle injury. He hasn’t appeared for club or country since then.
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Argentina grabs the victory despite Messi’s absence
In the 48th minute, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool scored for Argentina after Julian Alvarez’s pass was converted. In the 84th minute, Julian Alvarez, who had provided the assist, finally found the net after finishing a long-range attempt.
After entering the game in the 79th minute, substitute Paulo Dybala scored in stoppage time to complete the victory. Rising star Alejandro Garnacho provided the assist. Argentina leads the table with 18 points after winning six of their last seven games and losing only one. They will now play Colombia on Wednesday, September 11.
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