Argentina has included Lionel Messi in their squad for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers, despite the star player being sidelined due to injury at his club, Inter Miami.
Messi was unable to participate in Inter’s recent 4-1 loss to Chicago as he continues to grapple with fitness issues. Since September 3, he has managed to play a mere 37 minutes for the club.
Having missed three matches for Inter, and five out of their last six, the 36-year-old footballer has been summoned by Argentina for their crucial fixtures. The national team is set to host Paraguay on October 12, followed by a trip to Peru five days later, as part of the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
In a noteworthy development, Messi’s fellow Miami teammate, 21-year-old winger Facundo Farias, has received his maiden call-up to the national team squad.
