Messi called up for Argentina qualifiers despite injury

AFP, Buenos Aires :
Argentina have called up Lionel Messi for their upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers despite him being on the injured list at his club Inter Miami.

Messi missed Inter’s 4-1 defeat to Chicago on Wednesday as he continues to struggle with his fitness — he has played just 37 minutes for the club since September 3.

Argentina host Paraguay on October 12 and then travel to play Peru five days later in CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The 36-year-old has missed Inter’s last three games and five of their last six but little detail has been given about his physical condition.