The head coach of the Argentina national team, Lionel Scaloni, announced that the team leader, Lionel Messi, will not play in the last qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.
"Lionel Messi will not play against Ecuador. He will not travel with us for this match. He has given his all and deserves a rest and the opportunity to be with his family," Scaloni said.
It is noteworthy that Lionel Messi scored a double in the match against the Venezuela national team (3:0), which was his last official match in Argentina.