Messi Called Up Despite Injury for Argentina's World Cup Qualifiers

Argentine star Lionel Messi joined the team roster on Thursday for the upcoming matches in the World Cup qualifying despite being sidelined with an injury that has kept him off the field with his American team, Inter Miami. The 36-year-old forward has missed the last four matches for Miami due to a muscle issue he sustained last month. Messi led Argentina to victory in their opening qualifier against Ecuador with a goal from a free kick, but he did not play in the second match against Bolivia. The 34-player roster announced by coach Lionel Scaloni did not include the injured Angel Di Maria, but it featured Paulo Dybala, who has regained his fitness. Argentina will host Paraguay at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 12 before facing Peru at the National Stadium in Lima.