Messi absent as Argentina releases squad for World Cup qualifier

Argentina released their latest squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September.

Argentina will be back in action as they continue their qualification journey for the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni’s side are the Copa América and World Cup holders and are well-placed to seal a spot for the expanded tournament in two years’ time.

Scaloni named his 28-man squad for upcoming games in September against Chile and Colombia, teams that Argentina beat on course to this summer’s Copa América triumph.

However, captain Lionel Messi was missing among the list as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner suffered an ankle injury in Argentina’s Copa América final win and has not featured since then.

Paulo Dybala, Franco Armani and Marcos Acuña also miss out for La Albiceleste, while Di Maria retired from international games after the Copa success.

Key names among the selected includes Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alverez as Premier League youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Valentin Barco made the list also.