Lionel Messi left out of Argentina's squad for World Cup qualifiers: Will he make it to the 2026 World Cup?

The Argentina squad for September World Cup qualifiers has been named, and there is quite a notable absence in Lionel Scaloni's team. Lionel Messi's name is nowhere to be seen. Messi hasn't featured for Inter Miami since being withdrawn from the Copa America final in July with an ankle injury and this absence shows the severity of that. No true timetable has been given for his return to play, but after not appearing in any of Miami's Leagues Cup matches and now missing qualifiers, it could be mid-September before Messi sees the pitch again.

While it would be understandable if the 37-year-old wants to feature in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico for Argentina, the leg injuries piling up does raise the concern of whether he'll actually be able to do it on his own terms. Since Messi signed with Miami in the summer of 2023, there's been constant tension between playing for Miami as much as possible in Major League Soccer, complete with the extreme travel for matches and varied climates and pitches, and physical fitness. Combine that with international breaks flying around South America and that's a lot to undertake for anyone, but especially someone with the miles that Messi's legs have.

Last season, his first in Miami, he needed to miss the U.S. Open Cup final and critical matches down the stretch that ended up causing Inter Miami to miss playoffs last season, Messi is in a similar predicament this season. To his credit, head coach Tata Martino has a much improved side this season and it has shown in performances without Messi. When Messi hasn't started in 14 MLS matches, Miami has an 8-3-3 record with 24 goals scored and 24 allowed. 

If Messi is actually going to make it to the World Cup, he can't continue to be a regular starter for Miami while trying to do it, which is where those numbers come into play. The Herons are showing that they can win without their talisman and showing impressive recruiting power to bring other stars around Messi and that should continue. Entering the twilight of his career, Messi listening to his body and taking more days off will be critical.

It would be a shame to see a legend of the game not be able to retire on their own terms but if a few more injuries crop up, that's just where things could be with Messi. Leg injuries are among the worst that a soccer player can suffer and over the last few seasons he has missed significant time due to them. Continuing at this pace isn't sustainable so it'll be important for Messi to figure out his priorities. He can provide his all to Inter Miami to lead them to glory, or take a back seat to extend his international career, but it doesn't seem like he'll be able to do both.

There's no right decision to make here but in making one, Messi will get to wind his career down on his own terms which is what a legend of his status deserves.