Lionel Messi was not called up to the Argentina national team to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers; midfielder Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from the German national team at the age of 33… are the highlights of the morning of August 20.

 

Messi has not yet recovered from injury – Photo: Reuters

Messi has not recovered from injury yet

Messi is not on the Argentina team list for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America (CONMEBOL) in September against Chile (September 5) and Colombia (September 10).

According to Argentine press, Messi is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Copa America final last July. Previously, Inter Miami announced that the 37-year-old superstar had damaged ligaments and would be out indefinitely to continue his recovery.

Argentina currently lead the qualifying group with 15 points from six games, most recently beating Brazil 1-0 on 21 November. Colombia are third on the table with 12 points, while Chile are struggling in eighth with just five points.

The top six teams in the CONMEBOL qualifying round will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, while the seventh-placed team will advance to the play-off round to compete for a wildcard spot.