Saturday, April 5, 2025

Messi leads Argentina squad despite injury doubt

Date:

Share post:

Buenos Aires, Oct 6: Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru later this month, the Argentine Football Association said on Thursday.

The Albiceleste captain’s inclusion comes despite an undisclosed muscle injury that has kept the 36-year-old Inter Miami forward out of the Major League Soccer club’s past four games.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni called up five uncapped players: Marcos Pellegrino, Lucas Esquivel, Carlos Alcaraz, Bruno Zapelli, and Facundo Farias.

But there was no place in the 34-man squad for Angel di Maria, who is recovering from a thigh injury, and Lisandro Martinez, who has a broken metatarsal.

Argentina will face Paraguay in Buenos Aires on October 12 and Peru in Lima five days later.

The reigning world champions began their qualifying campaign for the 2026 edition of football’s showpiece tournament with victories over Ecuador and Bolivia in September.

IANS

Related articles

Centre seeking answers to queries on ILP: Paul

SHILLONG, April 4: Amid the long-pending demand to implement the Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya, the Centre has...

My suspension from VPP was ‘premeditated’, says Adelbert

SHILLONG, April 4: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum on Friday said his suspension from the Voice of the...

All-party committee to consult stakeholders on railway projects

Hynniewtrep land will burn if govt brings rlys, pressure groups warn SHILLONG, April 4: The all-party committee headed by...

HYC threatens to block NEIGRIHMS recruitment

SHILLONG, April 4: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Friday announced that it will not allow NEIGRIHMS to...