Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers?
Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers? Argentina goes into the next international window in a comfortable place, having already secured a place at Qatar 2022. However, La Albiceleste still has their unbeaten streak on the line and must show if they can extend it without Lionel Messi.
After a memorable 2021, in which they ended a long drought by winning the Copa América and also sealed a spot at Qatar 2022, Argentina heads into the World Cup year in high spirits. But they will start it without Lionel Messi.
La Albiceleste, currently in second place in the South American Qualifiers standings, has five games remaining to conclude their path to the next World Cup. Their return to action will be on Thursday, January 27 against Chile on the road before hosting Colombia the following week.
Although they have already achieved the main objective of qualifying for Qatar 2022, Lionel Scaloni’s men do not want to slow down. However, their upcoming meetings will be tested without the PSG superstar.
The reason why Lionel Messi is not playing for Argentina
It is quite unusual to see an Argentina roster without its best player. The former Barcelona star never wants to miss a game and the team always wants to have him on board too.
But this time they decided it was better for him to stay in Paris. Lionel Messi was not called up by Argentina after the federation and Paris Saint-Germain reached an agreement not to force him to play these games.
Messi tested positive for Covid-19 late last year and his return took longer than expected. On top of that, PSG has been unhappy with the time he has spent on international duty since he joined the club. With Argentina already qualified for the World Cup, they decided not to summon him and thus improve their relationship with the French team.
