Lionel Messi was left out of Argentina’s squad for Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier at Bolivia, but the defending champions still cruised to a 3-0 win.
Messi’s status for the match in La Paz was in doubt after he did not train with his teammates on Monday.
In Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Friday, Messi scored a stunning free-kick winner and later requested to be substituted due to what he called fatigue.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the game that Messi “felt something” and would undergo further tests ahead of the match at Bolivia.
Though Messi travelled with his teammates to Bolivia, the Inter Miami star was ultimately not risked for the game at Estadio Hernando Siles.
Messi watched on from the bench as Argentina emerged victorious, with goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolás Tagliafico and Nicolás González carrying the World Cup champions.
“Leo wasn’t ready to play. Today he tried to recover but he didn’t feel comfortable so we didn’t want to risk him,” Scaloni said after the game.
“It wasn’t necessary because important games are coming. And it was a difficult game, even him coming from the bench could be an injury risk.”
Messi is currently tied with his longtime Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez on 29 South American World Cup qualifying goals, which is the most of all time.
Messi, 36, has already played 11 matches with Inter Miami after only joining the MLS club less than two months ago. That heavy fixture pile-up was increased by Miami’s run to the Leagues Cup title last month.
Inter Miami is next in action on Saturday against Atlanta United, with Messi’s status unclear for the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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