Argentina will be playing their World Cup qualifiers without their star player Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami forward was not included in Argentina’s squad for their forthcoming qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
Lionel Messi Out of Argentina Squad
The 37-year-old returned to Miami’s starting line-up for their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United but picked up an injury. His club Inter Miami confirmed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was with an injury.
Their report states that Lionel Messi has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle. The former PSG and Barcelona star was rested for three Miami games before coming off the bench and scoring in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win at Jamaican side Cavalier.
Lionel Messi said in a story on Instagram, external that it was a “shame to miss two such such special qualification games”. He also said: “I wanted to be there as always but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again.” “But I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like a fan.”
Argentina can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in this round of games as the holders visit Uruguay and host Brazil. They lead South America’s 10-team qualifying group by five points.
The top six qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the seventh-placed team goes into a play-off. After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer with six goals, taking his overall tally to 112 from 191 international appearances.
Argentina will also be without injured Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel. For Brazil, They will be without Neymar through thigh injury.
