Messi’s Injury Keeps Him Out of Argentina’s Squad
Argentina will have to navigate their next two World Cup qualifiers without their star player, Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old Inter Miami forward has been left out of the squad due to an injury he picked up in Major League Soccer.
While he returned to action recently and helped Miami secure a win over Atlanta United, the team later confirmed that he has a minor adductor muscle injury.
This means Messi will miss Argentina’s crucial matches against Uruguay and Brazil. With the national team just a step away from securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, his absence could be a big challenge for the squad.
A Tough Blow for Argentina
Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying table with a five-point advantage over Uruguay. With six games remaining, the team is in a strong position to qualify. However, missing their captain and top scorer could make these next matches difficult.
Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s campaign, scoring six goals so far. His international record stands at an impressive 112 goals from 191 appearances. His experience and leadership on the field are unmatched, making his absence a concern for coach Lionel Scaloni.
Other Key Players Also Missing
Messi is not the only big name missing from Argentina’s squad. Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel are also out due to injuries. This leaves Argentina without two more experienced players who have been part of their success in recent years.
On the other hand, Brazil will also be without a major star—Neymar. The 33-year-old Santos forward, who was hoping to make his return to the national team, has been sidelined with a thigh injury. This means one of the most anticipated matchups—Messi versus Neymar—will not happen in this round of qualifiers.
Inter Miami’s Decision to Rest Messi
Before his latest injury, Inter Miami had been cautious with Messi’s playing time. He was rested for three consecutive games but made a strong return last week, coming off the bench to score in Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Jamaican side Cavalier.
Despite being eased back into action, Messi’s injury against Atlanta United has now forced him to take another break. Miami will want him back in full fitness as they push for success in Major League Soccer and international competitions.
Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Even without Messi, Argentina remains in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The top six teams in South America’s 10-team group qualify automatically, while the seventh-placed team must go through a play-off.
With a deep squad and strong leadership from Scaloni, Argentina will be hopeful of securing their spot early. However, facing Uruguay and Brazil without their key playmaker will be a real test of their squad depth and ability to perform under pressure.
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