Messi left out of Argentina’s next World Cup qualifiers

By betpredictiontoday.com On Apr 24, 2025

Messi Left Out of Argentina’s Next World Cup Qualifiers: What It Means for the Team

Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s next World Cup qualifiers, sparking widespread debate among fans and analysts. The decision, confirmed by Argentina’s coaching staff, raises key questions about the team’s strategy, Messi’s fitness, and the road ahead for the reigning world champions. As Argentina prepares to defend their title, the absence of their talismanic leader is bound to have a significant impact.

In this in-depth analysis, we explore the reasons behind Messi’s omission, how Argentina plans to adjust without him, and what this means for their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign.

Why Was Messi Left Out of Argentina’s Next World Cup Qualifiers?

Messi’s Fitness and Injury Concerns

One of the primary reasons Messi has been left out of Argentina’s next World Cup qualifiers is his ongoing fitness concerns. The 36-year-old forward has been dealing with persistent muscle fatigue, which saw him miss several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, may have opted to rest Messi to ensure he remains fully fit for crucial international tournaments ahead.

Strategic Rotation and Squad Depth

Argentina boasts a deep and talented squad, and Scaloni could be using this opportunity to test alternative attacking options. With young stars like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María in top form, this is a chance for Argentina to experiment with different tactical setups and offensive combinations.

Impact on Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Upcoming Fixtures Without Messi

Argentina faces crucial qualifiers in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification cycle. Missing Messi in these games could be a test of the team’s adaptability. Some of the key fixtures include:

Argentina vs. Paraguay
Argentina vs. Peru

While Argentina remains a dominant force in South American football, competing without Messi will challenge their ability to maintain fluid attacking play.

Who Will Step Up in Messi’s Absence?

With Messi out, all eyes will be on players like:

Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) – A young, dynamic forward known for his pressing and finishing ability.
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – A proven goal scorer who can lead the attack.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) – A creative midfielder who can orchestrate play in the final third.

This period could serve as an audition for Argentina’s next generation of stars, proving that the team can remain competitive even when their legendary captain is unavailable.

How Has Messi Reacted to Being Left Out?

Messi has always prioritized national duty, but at this stage of his career, he understands the need for careful workload management. Reports suggest that while he was disappointed to miss out, he acknowledges that resting now could benefit both him and Argentina in the long run.

Argentina’s History Without Messi in World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina has played multiple World Cup qualifiers without Messi in the past, with mixed results. Some notable matches include:

2018 World Cup Qualifiers – Argentina struggled when Messi was absent but secured qualification after his heroic hat-trick against Ecuador.
2022 World Cup Qualifiers – Argentina managed solid performances without Messi in some games, showing they can compete at a high level.

These past experiences indicate that while Argentina performs best with Messi, they have the tactical depth to secure victories without him.

Will Messi Return for Future Qualifiers?

Scaloni’s Long-Term Plan

Lionel Scaloni has emphasized that Messi remains central to Argentina’s plans. The decision to leave him out of these qualifiers does not indicate a shift away from him but rather a short-term strategic move. Barring any major injury setbacks, Messi is expected to return for future qualifiers and the 2024 Copa América.

Possible Timeline for His Return

Based on current reports, Messi could be back for:

Copa América 2024 preparations
The next set of World Cup qualifiers later in 2025

His return will depend on his physical condition and Argentina’s performance in his absence.

FAQs

1. Why was Messi left out of Argentina’s next World Cup qualifiers?

Messi has been left out primarily due to fitness concerns and a strategic decision to rest him while allowing other players to step up.

2. Will Messi play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

While Messi has not confirmed his plans for 2026, he has stated that he will continue playing as long as he feels physically capable.

3. How has Argentina performed in qualifiers without Messi?

Argentina has had mixed results without Messi, but their depth in talent has helped them remain competitive.

4. Who will replace Messi in the starting lineup?

Players like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María are expected to take on more attacking responsibilities.

5. When will Messi return to Argentina’s squad?

Messi is likely to return for the 2024 Copa América and future World Cup qualifiers.

External Backlink

For a detailed analysis of Argentina’s World Cup qualification journey, visit FIFA’s official World Cup qualifiers page.