Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, will not be playing in Argentina’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifier against Colombia, a match set to take place on Tuesday at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla. The news of Messi’s absence has been a topic of much discussion among fans and football pundits alike, as the Argentine national team continues its journey toward securing a place in the next World Cup without the presence of its talismanic captain.
Messi’s Absence from the Squad
The 37-year-old Messi was notably left out of the 28-man Argentina squad that was announced by head coach Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Colombia. His absence was not entirely unexpected, as Messi has been recovering from a high-ankle injury that he sustained on July 14 during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa América final.
Since that injury, Messi has not featured for either club or country, and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation with his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Inter Miami. While Messi has recently returned to training in a limited capacity, he has not yet been given medical clearance to play in competitive matches.
Recovery at Inter Miami
Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino provided an update on Messi’s condition in a recent interview with The Athletic. Martino revealed that while Messi has resumed training, his participation is still restricted, and medical staff have not yet cleared him for full competition.
According to Martino, there is no change in the anticipated timeline for Messi’s recovery, with the aim of having him back on the field before the end of Inter Miami’s regular MLS season, which concludes on October 19 with a match against the New England Revolution. However, Messi’s return will depend entirely on how his recovery progresses, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to play in time for the October match.
Impact on Argentina
Messi’s absence will undoubtedly have an impact on Argentina, even though the team has demonstrated its ability to perform without him in recent matches. Argentina is currently sitting at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table, having accumulated 18 points from six wins out of seven matches. Their unbeaten run in the qualifiers so far is a testament to the strength and depth of the squad, which includes players like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Ángel Di María, who have all stepped up in Messi’s absence.
While Messi’s leadership and creative play are always valuable assets, Argentina’s current form suggests that they are more than capable of securing another positive result against Colombia. Coach Scaloni will be relying on the rest of his squad to maintain their high standards and continue Argentina’s unbeaten streak as they push towards securing early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Colombia’s Position in the Qualifiers
Colombia, on the other hand, has also been performing well in the qualifiers. They currently sit third in the CONMEBOL standings with 13 points from seven matches, including three victories. The Colombian team has proven to be a formidable opponent, and with the added advantage of playing at home in Barranquilla, they will be eager to secure a win against Argentina, especially given Messi’s absence.
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For Colombia, the match represents a significant opportunity to close the gap with Argentina and strengthen their position in the top six of the table. The top six teams from the group after all the qualifying matches will earn direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals, while the seventh-placed team will have to go through an inter-confederation playoff. Given the stakes, the match promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter.
Looking Ahead
As Messi continues his recovery in Miami, the Argentine national team will have to focus on maintaining their momentum in the World Cup qualifiers without their captain. For Messi, the priority is to regain full fitness and return to action with both Inter Miami and Argentina as soon as possible.
His absence from the match against Colombia is a precautionary measure, ensuring that he does not rush back to the pitch before fully recovering from his injury. Fans of both Argentina and Messi will undoubtedly be hoping for his swift return, as the world eagerly awaits his next appearance on the international stage.
In the meantime, Argentina will have to rely on their collective strength and the individual brilliance of players like Martínez and Álvarez to carry them through this crucial phase of World Cup qualifying. As they prepare to face a strong Colombian side, all eyes will be on the Argentine squad to see if they can maintain their dominant form and continue their push toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
