Lionel Messi left out by Argentina for upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers
Argentina national team head coach, Lionel Scaloni has left out the country's talisman, Lionel Messi for their upcoming CONMEBOL 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
Paris Saint-Germain had been desperate for Messi to not be called up for international duty considering that Argentina have already booked their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and hence made a direct appeal to the AFA to leave the striker out of the squad.
This recent development means that Messi will now continue in rebuilding his match fitness and recovery after contracting COVID-19 during the Christmas break, with the club management hoping that the record seven-time Ballon d'Or award winner will be available for their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash against Real Madrid on February 15.
Lionel Messi is not expected to be part of the Argentina national team for this month's World Cup qualifying matches. He will remain with PSG and not join the team.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) January 17, 2022
Messi has struggled to adapt to life in Paris since joining them on a free transfer earlier in the summer as he has also struggled with injuries, missing 12 of the 26 games that PSG have played since he moved to the French capital.
The 34-year-old has struggled in Ligue 1, managing to score only one goal in 11 appearances - though he has looked his usual brilliant self in front of goal in the Champions League, with five goals in five games.