Argentina will face Chile and Colombia in crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, but legendary captain Lionel Messi will not be in attendance.

Argentina won the Copa America in the USA this summer and Lionel Messi lifted his third major trophy as captain of the national team, but the No. 10 was left in tears as he limped off the pitch in the final against Colombia after suffering a nasty ankle injury.

Messi was expected to be fit for the next international matches, but Argentina announced its squad for the matches and Lionel was not selected.

Perhaps it is a precautionary measure by the Argentine management team, who know they are in a good position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. After all, why risk being Captain Fantastic? Lionel Messi’s recovery from injury has probably not slowed down, but his presence on the pitch could put his long-term fitness at risk, and at the age of 37, that would not be a sensible move.

It’s well documented that Messi hates being on the bench, whether it’s the World Cup final or an international friendly with a 5-0 final score. Messi isn’t in the squad, so he doesn’t have to worry and can watch the games from the comfort of his home in Miami while he continues to recover.

Argentina also have qualifiers in October and November, so it probably won’t be long before Messi is back in the Argentina shirt. Chile, their opponents in September, have been weak so far and shouldn’t pose any problems for Argentina, but Colombia pose a real challenge.

The team that beat Argentina in the Copa final this summer is a physical force that is a tough opponent to beat in even the best of conditions. In their next encounter, Argentina travels to the sweltering city of Barranquilla on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Argentina will have to kick off early, which the hosts have chosen tactically to take advantage of the climate and make their guests suffer. Of course, Argentina will also be facing a team that is looking for revenge for their defeat in the Copa America final. It is not a bad game if Lionel Messi is not there for several reasons.

Whatever happens in the September international window, Argentina will still be among the favourites in October and Lionel Messi will be able to return to the team without any pressure at 100 per cent fitness.

Messi’s absence also gives Argentina the opportunity to plan life without the legend. After all, Lionel Messi will have to retire at some point in the next few years, so it will be interesting to see how his compatriots cope without him.

Argentina, without Lionel Messi, face Chile at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 4 and Colombia away on September 9. They currently sit top of the qualifying rankings with 15 points from their first six games.