Argentina forward and regular skipper Lionel Messi was excluded from the squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador on Wednesday at the Estadio Monumental in northern Guayaquil.
The 38-year-old’s absence was confirmed last week shortly after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela. Following the game, Messi said: “I spoke with Leo (Scaloni) and we decided, or rather he decided, that I should rest. I’m coming back from an injury and although I’m fine now, we prefer to avoid travelling and playing another game, so I can rest up for what’s coming next.”
Messi scored twice in Argentina’s victory over Venezuela in front of a raucous sellout crowd that had gathered at estadio Monumental to bid him farewell.
“Being able to finish this way here is what I’ve always dreamed of,” Messi said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things on this pitch, both good and not so good, but it’s always a joy to play in Argentina, in front of our fans.”
Messi is yet to give any clues about when he will retire from the top level of the sport. But the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup will begin in 2027, when he’s 40.
The Argentina captain scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, and Lautaro Martinez added a goal in the 76th.
Published on Sep 10, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com