In September, Argentina plays Chile and Colombia in two important FIFA World Cup qualification games, but their famous captain Lionel Messi will not be there.

The Copa América was won by Argentina in the United States this summer. Lionel Messi won his third big trophy as captain of the national team. But the number 10 player shed tears as he walked off during the final against Colombia because he hurt his ankle badly.

Messi was supposed to be ready for the next set of internationals, but Lionel has not been named in Argentina’s team for those games.

It could be a safety measure from Argentina’s management team, who know they are in a good spot in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying group. Why would you risk Captain Marvel after all? Lionel Messi’s injury recovery probably hasn’t slowed down. Instead, his appearance on the pitch could put his long-term fitness at risk, which wouldn’t be smart at age 37.

It is well known that Messi hates being on the bench, whether it’s the World Cup final or a game between countries that ends 5-0. They won’t have to worry about that since Messi isn’t on the team. He can watch the games from his home in Miami while he continues to heal.

Argentina also has qualifying games in October and November, so Messi will likely be seen in an Argentina shirt again soon. Chile, who plays Argentina in September, hasn’t been very good, so they shouldn’t cause any trouble. That being said, Colombia is a real task.

Argentina beat that team in the Copa final this summer. They are a powerful force that is tough to play against at any time. The next time they play, Argentina goes to Barranquilla, which is like an oven, which is on the Caribbean side of Colombia.

The home team strategically chose an early kick-off time so that they could take advantage of the weather and make the guests suffer. Of course, Argentina also plays a team that wants to get back at the team that beat them in the Copa America final. A lot of good things about the game mean that Lionel Messi shouldn’t be there.

As long as the international opportunity stays open in September, Argentina will still be one of the favorites to qualify in October, and Lionel Messi will be able to join the team when he is fully fit.

Not having Messi on the team also gives Argentina a chance to prepare for life without the superstar. In the end, Lionel Messi will have to stop in the next few years, so it will be interesting to see how his country does without him.

On September 4, Argentina will play Chile at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires without Lionel Messi. On September 9, they will play Colombia away from home. With 15 points from their first six games, they are currently in first place in qualification.