Why is Lionel Messi Not Playing in Argentina vs. Chile FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match?

An In-Depth Look at the Reasons Behind Messi's Absence

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time, and his absence from Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Chile has raised eyebrows.

Injury Concerns

One of the primary reasons for Messi's absence is an injury he sustained during Paris Saint-Germain's recent match against Marseille. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner suffered a hamstring issue, which is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks.

Club Commitments

Messi's club commitments with PSG also play a role in his absence. The French giants have a busy schedule in the coming weeks, including crucial Champions League fixtures and domestic cup matches. PSG's management has decided to rest Messi for the Argentina match to ensure his fitness for these important club games.

Rest and Recovery

After a grueling season with both club and country, Messi's body needs time to rest and recover. The FIFA World Cup is still over a year away, and Argentina's coaching staff believes it's vital to manage Messi's workload to avoid any potential burnout or further injuries.

Tactical Considerations

With Messi unavailable, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni may use this opportunity to experiment with different tactical approaches. Scaloni has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, including the likes of Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez. The Chile match provides a chance to assess these players in a competitive environment and fine-tune Argentina's tactics for the future.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentina vs. Chile FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match is primarily due to injury concerns, club commitments, and the need for rest and recovery. While Messi's presence would undoubtedly boost Argentina's chances, the coaching staff is taking a long-term approach to ensure his fitness and prepare the team for the challenges ahead in the World Cup.