Argentina captain Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will miss the next FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game against Ecuador on September 10 Softfootball reports.
The Inter Miami star will not travel with the squad to Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo in Guayaquil, which will play host to the fixture.
Messi scored twice on Thursday in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela in front of a sellout crowd that had gathered at estadio Monumental. His brace left fans in awe in what appeared to be his farewell to the competition.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his Facebook page, Argentina captain Lionel Messi has confirmed he will miss his nation’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. The 38-year-old stated:
I have talked with Scaloni and we decided that I should rest and don’t travel against Ecuador. As I just told you, I’m coming off an injury. Even though I’m already fine, we preferred to avoid me traveling and having to play another match. I need to rest well and prepare properly for what’s coming
Softfootball reported earlier that Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano had warned that the Argentine’s growing workload is becoming a concern as MLS fixtures and World Cup qualifiers pile up.
By sitting out against Ecuador, the Argentine legend will miss a unique opportunity to set a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers record on his own. With Thursday’s appearance, Messi drew level with Ecuadorian defender Ivan Hurtado as the all-time leader in South American World Cup qualifier appearances with 72.
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.
Messi now has 36 goals in South American World Cup qualifiers and remains as the all-time scoring leader. His Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez has 29 goals in continental qualifying, but he has retired from Uruguay’s national team. Bolivia’s Marcelo Moreno Martins is third with 22.
