According to journalist Gaston Edul of TyC Sports channel, Messi will likely not participate in the matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America in September, to focus on the injury recovery process.
“It is likely that Messi will not participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches of the Argentina team in September according to the FIFA Days schedule, because it coincides with the time when he is recovering from injury. If he participates, this 37-year-old player will have very little chance of playing,” Gaston Edul said in his latest comment on social network X (old Twitter).
“The Argentina national team’s September matches (against Chile and Colombia on September 5 and 10 respectively) are also an opportunity to honor veteran striker Di Maria, who officially retired from international football after the Copa America. Di Maria is still in the Argentina national team, but he will not play,” Gaston Edul said.
Messi, who is still recovering from a torn ligament in his right ankle from the Copa America final, joined his Inter Miami teammates in their 3-1 win over Toronto FC to reclaim the top spot in the MLS on July 18. He will be absent from Inter Miami training sessions at least until the end of the week, as the team prepares to play Chicago Fire FC again at Chase Stadium (6:30 a.m., July 21).
According to AS (Spain): “Messi will miss the MLS All-Star match on July 25 to continue resting and recovering from his injury. The return of this famous player to training and competition is currently open, with no specific time set.”
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s next fixtures from late July and early August are two Leagues Cup group stage matches against Mexican club Puebla (July 28) and UANL (August 4). If Inter Miami advances, Messi is likely to return to play in the knockout round matches from August 10. “However, this possibility is very low, because Messi needs to recover from injury, physical and fitness after the very stressful Copa America campaign,” Gaston Edul emphasized.
Messi told Argentina players not to mock opponents
According to midfielder Rodrigo de Paul: “After the Copa America final, Messi told us to focus on celebrating the team’s well-deserved championship. And not to mock anyone or any opponent. He also said that as champions, you need to be careful, because any celebration that is too enthusiastic or excessive will easily be scrutinized by public opinion and cause many unpleasant problems.”
However, there was also the unfortunate incident of midfielder Enzo Fernandez and some other Argentine players, when they sang songs mocking the French team players, causing much controversy today.
Enzo Fernandez has apologized, but is facing sanctions from Chelsea and the English Football Association (FA), as well as FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association ). Meanwhile, Messi did not attend the celebration with the Argentine team. The 37-year-old player has stayed in Miami to rest and recover from injuries since the Copa America final.
