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The Argentine duo of Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala was doubtful to make it to the World Cup qualifiers squad for their home country owing to their recent injury concerns. However, both Messi and Dybala have been named in the 30-man squad for Argentina selected by head coach Lionel Scaloni for matches against Paraguay, Uruguay and Peru that are scheduled to take place in October.
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has missed the last two games for PSG after sustaining the knee injury that he picked up in the Ligue 1 match against Lyon a few days back. However, the former Barcelona forward has returned to training on Monday and is likely to feature in the Champions League game against Manchester City.
On the other hand, Dybala’s injury concerns persist and he’s set to miss Juventus’ Champions League game against defending champions Chelsea, having sustained a muscular injury in the Serie A game against Sampdoria on Sunday.
Messi’s unbeaten start to Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign
Lionel Messi’s inclusion is a big boost for the Argentine side, as he recently lifted the Copa America, and scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier game earlier this month. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has carried his blazing Copa America form in the World Cup qualifying matches, giving his side an unbeaten start for their campaign. The Lionel Messi-led side are second on the table, winning 5 out of 8 games, only behind rivals Brazil who have won all 8 games so far. The Albiceleste will play 3 games in the upcoming leg, starting with Paraguay on October 7th in Asuncion, before hosting Uruguay on October 10th in Buenos Aires, followed by Peru on October 14th. This might be the Argentine legend’s final chance to lift the World Cup for his side and he duly looks determined to cash in on the opportunity.
Argentina’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Juan Musso, Emiliano Martinez, Esteban Andrada
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Juan Foyth, Lucas Martinez Quarta, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodriguez, Nicolas Dominguez, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Rodrigo De Paul, Alejandro Papu Gomez
Forwards: Nicolas Gonzalez, Angel Di Maria, Lucas Alario, Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez