Messi's Injury Strikes Argentina Hard as World Cup Qualifiers Loom on the Horizon

Messi's Injury Strikes Argentina Hard as World Cup Qualifiers Loom on the Horizon

Lionel Messi is ruled out of Argentina's World Cup qualifiers due to an ankle injury, a major setback for the national team.

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
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Lionel Messi, the iconic forward for Inter Miami and former Barcelona star, has been notably absent from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to a right ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final. The news comes as a significant blow to the Argentine national team as they prepare for crucial matches against Chile and Colombia next month. Messi, now 36, has not seen action since the Copa America final on July 14, where Argentina triumphed over Colombia with a narrow 1-0 victory. Just two days following this exhilarating match, Inter Miami announced that Messi had suffered ligament damage, leading to his indefinite absence from both club and country duties. The injury occurred just after the hour mark in the Copa America final when Messi slipped on the pitch at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. His immediate signal for medical assistance raised alarms, and he was promptly treated before being substituted. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, remarked on Messi's reluctance to leave the field, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment for the soccer legend, who, despite his injury, was able to raise the trophy in celebration post-match. Despite his ongoing recovery, Messi has remained a visible figure at Inter Miami's fixtures, attending several games and supporting his teammates from the sidelines. The team is currently riding high at the top of the Eastern Conference after 25 games, leading second-placed FC Cincinnati by five points. Messi's presence at these matches signifies his commitment to the club, even if he cannot contribute on the pitch. Looking ahead, Argentina will face pivotal challenges as they aim to solidify their position for the 2026 World Cup. The absence of Messi—a player whose influence extends far beyond mere statistics—will undoubtedly put pressure on the rest of the squad to step up in his stead. As fans and analysts alike await news on Messi's recovery, the football world is left pondering how Argentina will cope without its talismanic leader in the upcoming qualifiers.

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