It's difficult for a team not to depend on Lionel Messi, but...

Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentine national team has been a significant talking point ever since he sustained an injury to his right ankle during the Copa América final against Colombia on July 15.

Despite Argentina's victory in extra time, Messi’s injury left fans and pundits speculating about his return, especially with key World Cup 2026 qualifiers on the horizon. As of now, there is still no clear indication of when the Inter Miami star will return to international duty, creating a sense of uncertainty surrounding his participation.

The coach of the Argentine national team, Lionel Scaloni, addressed Messi's absence in a recent press conference, offering some insights into the situation. Scaloni acknowledged the inevitable reliance on Messi, given his extraordinary talent and leadership qualities, but he emphasized that the team must also be prepared to perform without their talisman. Scaloni’s approach highlights both the challenge and the opportunity that Messi's absence presents for the national team.

"Let's hope that Messi starts playing again soon, and when we have to release the next squad list, as we always do, we will communicate with everyone, and Messi will be no exception," Scaloni said. He added that the situation would become clearer in the coming weeks, with a potential return for Messi depending on his recovery. Scaloni expects to have an update within two weeks, at which point the decision will be made about whether Messi is fit to join the squad for upcoming fixtures.

Scaloni was also realistic about the natural dependence any team would have on a player of Messi's caliber. "It’s difficult for a team not to depend on Leo [Messi], and it’s logical that this happens. But the good thing about this national team is that we have a playing style regardless of who’s on the field; we know what we’re doing. When Leo is not there, we do the same, but without that special touch that he brings when he’s on the field."

This statement reflects Scaloni's confidence in Argentina's tactical system and the depth of talent within the squad. Although Messi's absence is a loss, Scaloni believes the team can maintain their momentum in World Cup qualification. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, has a wealth of talent, including players like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Ángel Di María, who have shown their ability to step up in key moments.

However, Messi's absence is felt not only in terms of his technical ability but also his leadership on and off the pitch. As Argentina’s captain and a veteran of countless international battles, his presence offers calmness and inspiration. For younger players and new talents emerging on the team, Messi serves as a role model. Scaloni’s management in this situation is key, as it allows him to explore options that may be valuable for Argentina’s future without depending solely on their legendary No. 10.

The match against Colombia on Tuesday, part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, will be another test for Argentina without Messi. Currently at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, Argentina aims to continue their strong start to the qualification campaign. Colombia, traditionally a tough opponent in the region, represents a challenging hurdle, but Scaloni has expressed faith in his squad’s ability to adapt and perform.

After the Colombia match, Argentina will next face Venezuela on October 9, another crucial fixture as they look to secure qualification for the World Cup early. Whether Messi will be back for this game remains uncertain, but Scaloni’s comments indicate that Messi’s return is entirely dependent on his physical condition and recovery progress.

In the broader context of international football, Messi’s situation has also drawn attention due to his recent transition to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. Since joining the U.S. team in 2023, Messi has made an immediate impact, both on and off the field. However, his commitments to Inter Miami, combined with the demands of international football, have led to a careful balancing act. Scaloni has maintained a good relationship with Messi and his club, regularly communicating to ensure the player’s fitness is managed appropriately.

As Messi continues to recover, the world watches closely, not only for his impact on the Argentine national team but also to see how he will manage the latter stages of his illustrious career. At 37 years old, Messi remains one of the game’s greatest players, but the wear and tear of a long career are becoming more apparent. His participation in the next World Cup, which would mark his sixth tournament, is still up in the air, and decisions about his long-term involvement with Argentina will depend on both his physical health and personal desires.

For now, Lionel Scaloni and Argentina will press on without Messi, confident in their tactical approach and the quality of the squad. But there’s no denying that the team and football fans worldwide – are eagerly awaiting the return of their iconic captain. As Scaloni aptly noted, the presence of Messi adds a “special touch” to Argentina’s game, and until he is back, his absence will always be felt, no matter how well the team performs in his stead.