Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate was sidelined ahead of the November 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi And Argentina will conclude their 2024 international program with a final break, taking on Paraguay and Peru 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Despite being called up by Juventus winger Lionel Scaloni Nicholas González will not travel with the team, according to Tyc Sports journalist Gaston Edul.

According to Edul, Gonzalez will now stay indoors Italy to recover from his muscle injury. The winger has not played for club or country since limping off injured during Juventus’ 3-2 win over Juventus RB Leipzig in the Champions League in early October.

While his call-up to the national team appeared to be a positive update to his recovery, it appears Gonzalez will remain out of action for longer. He missed seven games in Serie A and the Champions League.

Of ArgentinaGonzalez’s last match was during his team’s 2-1 defeat to Colombiawhere the full 90 minutes were played and the visitors’ only goal was scored. Due to his muscle injury he missed the matches against Venezuela And Bolivia.

Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the 2026 South American FIFA World Cup qualifier between Colombia and Argentina (Andres Rot/Getty Images)

However, Gonzalez is not the only big name to miss the Paraguay and Peru matches. Roma’s star Paulo Dybala is not part of the squad for the upcoming matches, having last been called up in the September competitions.

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Cuti Romero and Giovani Lo Celso are in the selection

On the other hand, Christian Romero And Giovani Lo Celso are also part of the squad, despite their recent injuries. Romero had to leave the field fifteen minutes into the second half Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa on Sunday, but he will reportedly be available to play.

Edul said the defender had a “ligament injury in his right toe,” and that he “will rest for a week or ten days.Meanwhile, Lo Celso, who has been out in recent weeks due to a hamstring injury, will return to the national team after completing his recovery.

Argentina matches: when does La Albiceleste play?

Argentina plays against first Paraguay as visitors at the Defensores del Chaco stadium Thursday November 14th. Then the World Cup champions will be called Peru at La Bombonera Tuesday November 19 in their last game of the year.