Argentina star makes something clear about Lionel Messi during his absence in World Cup Qualifiers

For the first time in over a decade, Argentina’s national team will take the field without Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star is still recovering from the sprained ankle he sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia. Angel Di Maria, who recently announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s triumphant campaign, will also be absent.

As a result, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will face Chile at the Estadio Monumental and Colombia at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla without two of their most iconic players, both crucial matches in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who has been a key figure for Argentina, weighed in on Messi’s absence. De Paul made it clear that Messi’s leadership role remains unchallenged, even when he’s not on the pitch.

“I’ve always said that I fulfill the role I’m given. For many years, I’ve felt like an important player for this team. That’s all I can say because the captain’s armband belongs to Leo [Messi], and whoever wears it in his place is just temporary. The armband is his,” De Paul stated.

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal with teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Argentina’s last match without Messi and Di Maria

The last time Argentina played without both Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria was during the final round of qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. On October 15, 2013, under coach Alejandro Sabella, Argentina fell 3-2 to Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario.

Upcoming matches: Argentina vs. Chile and Colombia

Argentina is set to face Chile on Thursday, September 5, at the Estadio Monumental, followed by a clash against Colombia on Tuesday, September 10, at the Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla. These matches are part of the seventh and eighth rounds of the CONMEBOL South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

see also

Lionel Messi injury update: Gerardo Martino announces return date for Inter Miami star

Argentina’s roster without Lionel Messi

Goalkeepers

• Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
• Walter Benitez (PSV)
• Juan Musso (Atalanta)
• Geronimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille)

Defenders

• Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
• Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
• Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla)
• Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
• German Pezzella (River Plate)
• Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)
• Valentin Barco (Sevilla)

see also

Alexis Mac Allister discusses Lionel Messi’s chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup

Midfielders

• Leandro Paredes (AS Roma)
• Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
• Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
• Ezequiel Fernandez (Al-Qadsiah)
• Guido Rodriguez (West Ham)
• Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
• Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
• Valentin Carboni (Olympique Marseille)

Forwards

• Matias Soule (AS Roma)
• Paulo Dybala (AS Roma)
• Nicolas González (Juventus)
• Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
• Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
• Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid)
• Valentin Castellanos (Lazio)