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On Monday, March 17th, Argentina announced their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. There was one noticeable absence from the list — Lionel Messi.
The 37-year-old captain was left off the roster due to a thigh injury which was sustained during Inter Miami’s 2-1 MLS win over Atlanta United on Sunday, March 16th. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, he scored a goal in their 2-1 win to maintain their unbeaten record to start the season.
Argentina, who currently lead the WC qualifying standings with 25 points, are opting for caution as they look to confirm their spot in the competition. Messi was not the only major name left off head coach Lionel Scaloni’s roster — Paulo Dybala, Alejandro Garnacho, Giovani Lo Celso, Claudio Echeverri, and Gonzalo Montiel were also notably omitted.
Due to Messi’s age, he is increasingly being load-managed, especially by Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. He did not play against the Houston Dynamo, Jamaican side Cavalier, and Charlotte FC. Despite this, Messi has gotten off to a characteristically great start in the MLS this season, recording four goals and two assists across five games this season.
Defenders: Leonardo Balderi, Juan Foyth, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Thiago Almada, Rodrigo de Paul, Benjamin Dominguez, Enzo Fernandez, Nico Gonzalez, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Maximo Perrone, Giuliano Simeone
Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Santiago Castro, Angel Correa, Lautaro Martinez, Nico Paz
