Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, explained why Lionel Messi did not take part in the 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Bolivia. His remarks were shared by Aim, the publication reporting the update.
Scaloni explained that Messi was not prepared to play. He attempted to recover in the lead-up to the match, but reported discomfort prevented taking any risks. The coach stated clearly that Leo was not ready and that an on-field test during training did not indicate readiness for competition.
In the game played late on September 12 into September 13, Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Bolivia, a result that reflected the strength of the squad even without Messi’s involvement on the night.
Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. He opened his club debut with a free-kick goal and soon became a central figure for the team. After twelve appearances for Inter Miami, he had tallied eleven goals and provided five assists, demonstrating a strong start to life in Major League Soccer. The season culminated in a major trophy for the club as they captured the League Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout against Nashville, finishing the final with a 10-9 scoreline in the shootout after the teams were level at the end of extra time.
Beyond the pitch, Messi has continued to be a focal point for fans and media alike, with attention frequently turning to his life off the field. Reports mention his upscale residence as part of the broader profile of the Argentine superstar, underscoring the celebrity status that accompanies his on-field exploits and community endeavors alike.