![Lionel Messi is still out of action due to an ankle injury.](https://production-livingdocs-bluewin-ch.imgix.net/2024/08/20/0cd2a8f1-7fa8-45d2-a829-b4f33da4be82.jpeg?rect=116%2C11%2C1164%2C655&w=994&auto=format)
Picture:
Keystone
World champions Argentina will have to make do without Lionel Messi in their next two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The 37-year-old star striker is still out of action due to the ankle injury he suffered in the 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final in mid-July.
Argentina will face Chile at home on Thursday, September 5 and Colombia again five days later. Argentina lead the standings by two points from Uruguay after 6 of 18 games.
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