Why is Lionel Messi not playing in Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile?

Lionel Messi will not be part of the Argentina squad that faces Chile in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires on Friday.

FOLLOW THE MATCH LIVE | Live scores Argentina vs. Chile, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The 37-year-old was not named in the 28-man squad announced by head coach Lionel Scaloni last month for the qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

Messi has not played for club or country since appearing in Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14, after sustaining an ankle injury.

He is currently recovering at his Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and has returned to training on a limited basis. Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said The athlete that Messi, despite his return to training, still does not have medical clearance to play.

Martino said there was no change to the schedule, with Messi expected to return to action sometime before Inter Miami's regular season ends on October 19 against the New England Revolution.

ALSO READ | Ballon d'Or 2024: Mbappe, Haaland nominated, no Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among the nominees

Argentina currently sits at the top of the qualifying table with 15 points, having won five of their six matches so far, while Chile, on the other hand, are struggling in eighth place with just one win in six matches (two draws and three losses).

The top six teams in the group after all qualifying matches qualify directly for the final round of the World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada, while the seventh-placed team takes part in the confederation play-offs.