Alongside messi

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi has been rested by Argentina ahead of their two FIFA World Cup qualifiers games which was confirmed after head coach Lionel Scaloni announced the 26-man squad on Monday. Alongside Messi, Paulo Dybala also misses out on his third consecutive national team duty through injury.

Messi was sidelined for his last three league games at Inter Miami due to ‘fatigue’ and made a return to his side during the 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Monday (IST). Javier Mascherano, head coach of his club side, explained that Messi is not injured and sat out the games purely as a precaution but is now said to be facing discomfort.

Argentina have had the most points after each match day so far, and goal difference is the only reason they have not topped the table right from the very start of qualifying. Even so, Lionel Scaloni’s Albiceleste moved top after the third round of fixtures and have been there ever since.