Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to injury, while Paulo Dybala was recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni’s team on Monday.

Messi has not played for his club Inter Miami since sustaining an ankle injury in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final.

Roma striker Dybala has not played an international match since March 2023, but could get the opportunity to extend his 38th international appearance in Messi’s absence.

The reigning world champions will also have to do without Angel Di Maria, the experienced winger is ending his international career.

Argentina currently leads the South American qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The best six teams in the 10-nation table automatically qualify for the final round.

Scaloni’s team will host Chile on September 6 before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.

Squad

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/ENG), Juan Musso (Atalanta/ITA), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille/FRA), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven/NED)

Defender: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla/ESP), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille/FRA), Cristian Romero (Tottenham/ENG), German Pezzella (River Plate), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica/POR), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon/FRA), Valentin Barco (Sevilla/ESP).

Midfielder: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham/ENG), Leandro Paredes (Roma/ITA), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool/ENG), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Ezequiel Fernandez (Al Qadsiah/KSA), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/ ENG), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham/ENG)

Forward: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/ENG), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina/ITA), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/ITA), Valentin Carboni (Monza/ITA), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid/ESP ), Valentin Castellanos (Lazio/ITA), Matias Soule (Roma/ITA), Paulo Dybala (Roma/ITA)