Why is Lionel Messi not starting in Chile vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier?
Argentina will look to cement its dominance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign as it faces bottom-placed Chile in their qualifier in Santiago on Thursday.
FOLLOW THE MATCH HERE: Chile vs Argentina LIVE SCORE — FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers
However, the most important name missing from its starting 11 against La Roja is its captain Lionel Messi.
With 112 goals for Argentina, the Inter Miami forward is the highest goalscorer for his country and led his team to the FIFA World Cup title in 2022.
Why is Messi not starting in Chile vs Argentina?
The 37-year-old Messi was expected to return for Argentina after recovering from injury. His most recent game for the World Cup champion was in November 2024.
However, coach Lionel Scaloni looks to have taken a cautious approach as the game is a low-stakes one; Argentina hhas already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
'We've been in contact (with Messi) recently. We haven't decided yet whether he'll play from the start or not. It would be good to know how he's feeling physically,' Scaloni had told reporters.
'It's clear that today we're in a position to try other things. In principle, he's available to play, and we'll decide later.'
Messi, however, will start from the bench and is expected to come on later in the match.
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