Lionel Messi won’t be obtainable for Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier in opposition to Chile later tonight. The ahead examined optimistic for COVID-19 again in December and has nonetheless not made a full restoration from the illness.
In his pre-match press convention, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defined why Lionel Messi has not been referred to as up for the qualifiers in opposition to Chile and Colombia. He mentioned:
“Clearly we might like to have Messi right here with us. I spoke to him and he informed me that COVID hit him arduous. It’s key for him to get nicely, and that’s the reason I made a decision that the most suitable choice was for him to remain at his membership.”
When requested who would captain the aspect in Messi’s absence, Scaloni mentioned:
“The query of the armband is logical sufficient. Angel [Di Maria] has been within the nationwide crew for a few years and he’s a man who transmits lots to his team-mates, he’s beloved and that is all there’s to it. In that, we’re in little doubt in any respect.”
Messi made his return to motion on the weekend in Paris Saint Germain’s 4-0 win in opposition to Reims. The Argentine, who had not made an look since earlier than Christmas, began the sport on the bench and got here on within the 63rd minute of the sport, changing his compatriot Angel Di Maria.
Each PSG and Argentina will hope that Messi will have the ability to return to full health quickly. The ahead has solely made 17 appearances throughout all competitions this season and has contributed six targets and 5 assists.
Argentina ought to have the ability to cope with out Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s absence should not hinder Argentina’s qualification course of an excessive amount of as La Albiceleste are at the moment 2nd within the group, six factors forward of Ecuador in third with a recreation in hand.
Nevertheless, Scaloni’s aspect are additionally six factors behind leaders Brazil and can be trying to prime the group. Even with Messi not being obtainable for the upcoming video games, Argentina nonetheless boast the likes of Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria. That needs to be greater than sufficient attacking energy to get previous Chile later tonight.