Argentina's Valentin Carboni Ruled Out of 2026 FIFA World Cup Due to Severe Knee Injury
Argentina has encountered a devastating blow in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A key member of the national squad has been confirmed as unavailable for the tournament following a severe injury sustained during a training session. Medical professionals have indicated that the player will require an extensive rehabilitation period, estimated between six to eight months, to fully recover.
Details of the Career-Threatening Injury
Valentin Carboni, the 21-year-old forward currently on loan at Racing Club from Inter Milan, suffered a complete rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and a partial tear of the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) in his right knee. This incident occurred during a routine training session with the Argentine national team, as officially disclosed by Racing Club in a recent statement. The club confirmed that Carboni is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days, following diagnostic tests that revealed the severity of the damage.
This marks the second major ACL injury for Carboni in just two years; he previously experienced a similar issue in his left knee while playing for Olympique Marseille after winning the Copa America with Argentina at age 18. The recurrence raises concerns about his long-term career prospects and immediate availability for high-level competition.
Impact on Racing Club and Inter Milan
Racing Club is now evaluating options to replace Carboni due to the prolonged recovery timeline, which will sideline him for the majority of the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Inter Milan has initiated preparations for his rehabilitation process, which may take place either in Argentina or Italy, according to reports from One Football. Prior to the injury, Inter Milan had reportedly rejected a €20 million offer from Fiorentina for Carboni, emphasizing his value to the club despite his young age and recent loan move.
Fan Reactions and Career Context
Football enthusiasts have expressed widespread dismay on social media following the news of Carboni's injury. Comments ranged from hopes for a full recovery to concerns about the financial and career implications for both the player and Inter Milan. Some fans noted the unfortunate timing, as Carboni had made only five appearances for Racing Club this season, starting in three matches before being relegated to substitute roles in subsequent games.
Carboni's brief stint at Racing Club was highly anticipated after his development in European football, but it has been abruptly cut short. His limited playing time included starts against Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, Rosario Central, and Tigre, with substitute appearances against Argentinos Juniors and Banfield.
Broader Implications for Argentine Football
This injury represents a significant setback for Argentina's World Cup preparations, as Carboni was viewed as a promising talent capable of contributing to the squad's depth and attacking options. The loss underscores the physical demands and risks associated with elite football, particularly for young players navigating intense training and match schedules.
In related news, Lionel Messi recently attended an Inter Miami match despite an injury, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by top athletes in managing fitness and recovery. As Argentina regroups ahead of the 2026 tournament, the focus will shift to other squad members stepping up in Carboni's absence, while medical teams work to support his rehabilitation journey.
