Messi Sidelined: Ankle Injury Rules Out Star Player from Argentina’s World Cup Qualifiers
The Argentinian national team will be without their talismanic captain, Lionel Messi, for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The soccer legend is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final.
This news comes as a blow to Argentinian fans worldwide, who were eagerly anticipating Messi leading the team on their quest to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America. Messi’s absence leaves a significant void in the squad, as he is not only their captain but also their all-time leading goal scorer and a crucial playmaker.
While the team boasts other talented players like Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María, Messi’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The impact of losing a key player to injury is not uncommon in the world of football. For example, in recent years, teams like France (without Karim Benzema in the 2022 World Cup) and England (without Harry Kane in several crucial matches) have felt the sting of missing their star players.
The severity and estimated recovery time for Messi’s injury have not been officially disclosed. However, fans are hopeful that he will regain full fitness and rejoin the national team for future World Cup qualifying matches.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America promise to be a fiercely competitive affair, with traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia all vying for a place in the expanded 48-team tournament. Argentina, even without their captain, will be determined to secure their qualification and build upon their recent Copa America triumph.
