Lionel Messi will sit out Argentina’s final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador on 9 september at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil.
The Argentina captain, who is the leading scorer in the South American qualifiers with eight goals, featured in last week’s 3-1 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires, scoring twice in what could have been his final competitive appearance on home soil.
Messi confirmed he has been rested due to lingering hamstring problems, with Argentina already assured of qualification. He also has an important run-in ahead with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
“I spoke with [head coach Lionel] Scaloni, and he decided I should rest and not travel to Ecuador because I’m recovering from an injury,” Messi said after the Venezuela match on 4 september. “We prefer to avoid the trip and prepare for what’s coming up. We’re preparing to win the MLS, and that’s a goal. We’ll meet again in October for a friendly.”
The world champions lead the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points from 17 matches, 10 clear of second-placed Brazil. Their campaign has included 12 wins, two draws and three defeats.
Despite Argentina’s dominant qualifying campaign, Messi has not confirmed whether he will take part in the finals next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated,” the 38-year-old said. “Like I always say, I go day by day, seeing how I feel. If I feel good, I enjoy it, but if not, I don’t want to be there just for the sake of it. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup. I’ll finish this season, have pre-season, and then decide. Hopefully, I’ll feel good going into 2026.”
