Messi and Di María Out for WC Qualifiers

Lionel Messi will not participate in Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia in September due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the Copa America final on July 14. Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has confirmed that Messi will return to the lineup before the end of the MLS regular season, although no exact date has been set. Messi is currently doing individual training but has not yet rejoined full team sessions. Despite his absence, Argentina's squad still boasts significant attacking talent, including Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Meanwhile, Inter Miami leads the MLS Eastern Conference and aims to secure a playoff spot soon. Ángel Di María, who recently retired from international football, is also absent from the squad.