While Argentina continued their winning run in the World Cup qualification round with a 3-0 win over Chile, captain Lionel Messi remained absent from the Albiceleste squad owing to an ankle injury he picked up in the Copa America final match against Colombia in July.
However, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni recently shared an optimistic update on a hopeful return date for their talismanic captain. The World Cup-winning manager said that the national team are hoping that Lionel Messi can return to the pitch as early as within two weeks.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualification match against Colombia, Scaloni said (as per GOAL):
“We hope that Messi starts playing. When we have to give the next list we will communicate with everyone and he will not be the exception. This will be in approximately two weeks. Then we will see if he is fit.”
If Lionel Messi does return in two weeks, he will be able to captain Argentina in the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
Also Read: Why will Lionel Messi miss the CONMEBOL FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?
Scaloni says Argentina find it ‘difficult not to depend’ on Lionel Messi
Despite being 37 years old and nearing the end of his legendary career, Lionel Messi remains an ever-important player for both Argentina and his MLS club Inter Miami.
In fact, Scaloni admitted that the Albiceleste players depend on their captain to unlock their opponent’s plays, and in his absence, continue to perform without a crucial player’s skill set.
“It’s difficult for a team not to depend on Messi in terms of football because he’s a unique player. But this team has a game idea beyond who plays. Everyone plays the same thing. That helps. When Leo isn’t there we do the same thing without that final touch that he has,” Scaloni said.
Argentina will be in action against Colombia on September 10, and fans can watch it live from 2:00 am IST (September 11) in the FanCode app and website.
