Argentina managed to secure a draw against Colombia with Thiago Almada’s late goal in the World Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday. However, La Albiceleste achieved this without Lionel Messi on the pitch, as the captain was surprisingly subbed off 10 minutes before the end of the match, prompting concerns. Lionel Scaloni later explained the decision in a press conference.
“Messi wasn’t going to come off, but when he saw that we were making substitutions, he told me it was better for him to come off,” Scaloni told reporters after the match. “So that’s when I took him out; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come off. You already know what I think.”
Just two minutes after Messi left the pitch, Thiago Almada scored the equalizer. “The good thing we always showed, with 10 men and without Messi, is that we kept looking, not giving up on a ball. That makes us very satisfied,” Scaloni commended.
The Argentina head coach didn’t elaborate on whether Messi had a physical issue, and the captain wasn’t seen making any gestures that could indicate an injury. He played only 30 minutes against Chile, as the coaching team decided to give him time to rest.
Lionel Messi leaves the in a substitution during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Colombia (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Argentina have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and secured their position at the top of the table, with two matches left. Ecuador and Brazil also secured their spots in the tournament on Tuesday.
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Argentina national soccer team schedule 2025: Upcoming games, results and TV details
Messi is set to play at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The 37-year-old =is set to play a string of matches for the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts next week. Inter Miami will open the tournament against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Cafe, but it seems the stands are not going to be packed, as FIFA is reportedly still trying to sell tickets.
Inter Miami’s group also includes Portuguese giants Porto and Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras. As the team is coming from struggling in MLS, its opener against Al Ahly is arguably the club’s best opportunity to secure a win this summer.
While he could not contribute with a goal or assist in these two appearances with Argentina, Messi has remained one of the most effective players for Miami, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 20 matches this year.
