Argentina’s September squad list provides Lionel Messi injury update

Argentina will be back in action in September 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 make the expanded tournament in two years’ time.

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

There was one key name missing from the Argentina roster, captain Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not featured since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina’s Copa América final win last month. Paulo Dybala, Franco Armani and Marcos Acuña also miss out for La Albiceleste.

When will Lionel Messi play for Inter Miami?

In recent weeks Lionel Messi has been able to return to continue his rehabilitation work in the gym but he is yet to step foot on the practice field. Inter Miami’s early exit from Leagues Cup has eased the pressure on Messi’s return but the Herons do return to MLS action this weekend, taking on Supporters’ Shield holders FC Cincinnati.

Related stories

LEAGUES CUP 2024

Denis Bouanga breaks Lionel Messi’s Leagues Cup record

PREMIER LEAGUE

Pep Guardiola: 'Haaland is scoring at the level of Messi and CR7'

Will Messi play any part against Cincy? An August return seemed unlikely and his omission from September’s Argentina squad make that prospect look even more remote.

The Miami Herald reports that Inter Miami are hoping to have Messi back in training before the end of this month but they will be careful not to rush his recovery. The Herons, sitting top of the Eastern Conference, have all-but secured their place in the post-season. Now, the top priority for Tata Martino’s team is to ensure that they enter the playoffs with Messi at the top of his game.