Argentine legend Lionel Messi will be sidelined as world cup champions take on Colombia in round 8 of CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers in Barranquilla, on Monday. The Inter Miami superstar, who sustained an ankle injury in his side's victory over Colombia in their 2024 Copa America final on July 15, was also ruled out of the La Albiceleste's squad in their impressive 3-0 win over Chile on Friday. However, the likes of Mac Allister, Alvarez and Dybala who found the back of the net in the Chile encounter will be on the pitch, along with other attacking options including Alejandro Garnacho, Giuliano Simeone and Lautaro Martinez. Lionel Scaloni's men now top the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 18 points, while Colombia bagged 13 points to secure the third spot after a late equalizer against Peru from Liverpool star Luis Diaz Meanwhile, FIFA World Cup record winners Brazil will take on Paraguay in Asuncion following their Wednesday's 1-0 win against Ecuador. Source: Qatar News Agency