Lionel Messi has been released from international duty for ArgentinaSeptember break and will not appear against Ecuador. With his absence in Guayaquil for the final Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualification, Reports suggest that the successor to his iconic no. 10 shirt has already been chosen.
In a heart -warming farewell to a full Estadio monumental, Messi says goodbye to the Conmebol qualifications in the 3-0 win of Argentina in VenezuelaScore twice in a vintage version. After the game, the Inter Miami star announced that he would go aside for the trip to Ecuador to concentrate on his fitness.
‘I spoke with Leo and we decided – or rather, he decided – that I had to rest. As I just said, I am from an injury, and although things are going well now, we would rather have avoided the journey and had to play another game, so that I can rest well and prepare myself well for what is coming‘Messi told reporters in the mixed zone on Thursday.
According to ESPN‘s Leandro Alves, Thiago Almada was chosen to wear the number 10 -shirt in the absence of Messi. The midfielder of Atlético Madrid impressed Venezuela with an influential role in the attack and has now earned the recognition to wear the most iconic number in Argentina.
Thiago Almada from Argentina runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South -American qualifying match between Argentina and Colombia.
Almada, who was part of Argentina‘S 2022 World Cup – Winning team, took a big step this summer by moving from Lyon to Atlético Madrid. The former Atlanta United star has already made 11 performances for the AlbicelesteRecording four goals and two assists, and at the age of 24 he will now have the honor to wear no. 10.
see also
Argentina -Coach Scaloni provides an honest update about Lionel Messis 2026 World Cup Future
Messi attracted the sweater for the first time on March 28, 2009, and in the past 16 years only a handful of players has worn it in his absence. Almada becomes the 17th player who does thisWith a list of Ariel Ortega, Sergio Agüero, Erik Lamela, Javier Pastore, Ángel di María, Ángel Correa and Paulo Dybala.
What about the captain’s bracelet?
Together with the number 10, Messi is also the captain of Argentina, and with him back in Inter Miami, the bracelet needed a new carrier. In recent competitions, Cristian Romero and Ángel di María filled the roleBut with Romero suspended and Di María withdrew from the international game, Lionel Scaloni had to turn to another option.
The Argentina coach confirmed in Monday’s press conference They will be able to defend Nicolás Otamendi, would take the bracelet“”Nicolás Otamendi means a lot to us. With everything with Leo, we have forgotten a bit. That is why he recently played against Venezuela– I wanted him to rest, but he deserved to play that game. He has given us enormous help all this time. “
The coach continued with the importance of the 36-year-old. ‘He has always shown what this sweater means: He came to play injured, he played against the opinion of his club, and that says a lot. He missed the Copa América, but when he came up for a few minutes, he showed what part of the team means to him. Without a doubt he will be the captain tomorrow. “Otamendi will lead Argentina for the ninth time when they are confronted with Ecuador.
#Lionel #Messi #Argentina #Squad #wear #iconic #Ecuador