Messi ‘s leg was deformed after suffering an ankle injury in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia on July 15. Medical results later announced that El Pulga had torn ankle ligaments and would be out indefinitely.
The striker will miss Argentina’s next two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile on September 6 and Colombia on September 11.
Messi and De Paul have played together for many years in the Argentina national team. (Photo: Getty)
Messi played in every match for Argentina at the 2024 Copa America. Despite only scoring one goal and one assist in the entire tournament, Messi was still an important part of coach Lionel Sclaoni’s squad. His presence was of great significance for Argentina’s spirit and style of play.
The face that usually wears the captain’s armband when Messi is absent is Angel Di Maria. However, this midfielder has announced his retirement after the 2024 Copa America ends.
Another veteran, Nicolas Otamendi, is unlikely to play. So Argentina fans are hoping that De Paul, who has 69 caps for his country, will wear the armband against Chile. However, the 30-year-old midfielder has refused the honour, insisting that Messi is Argentina’s true leader.
“I have always done well the tasks that the coach assigned me, many years have passed and I see myself as an important player in the Argentina squad. That’s all I can say.
As for the captain’s armband, whoever wears it is just an alternative to Messi, it will still belong to him because Leo is always the captain of this team,” De Paul said.
Argentina currently lead the South American qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup with five wins from six matches. Meanwhile, Messi has returned to training and is expected to return to Inter Miami later this month. It is likely that El Pulga will still be able to play for the national team in the next training session.
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