Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been omitted from Argentina’s squad for their upcoming two World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old, who recently resumed his place in Miami’s starting line-up during their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United, reportedly suffered an injury during Sunday’s match. Inter Miami later confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is dealing with a “low-grade” adductor muscle injury.
Messi had been rested for three games before making a substitute appearance, during which he scored in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win over Jamaican side Cavalier.
With this round of qualifiers, Argentina has a chance to secure their spot for next year’s World Cup as they face Uruguay away and host Brazil at home. Argentina currently leads South America’s 10-team qualifying group, five points ahead of Uruguay, with six matches remaining; Brazil, meanwhile, trail in fifth place, seven points adrift.
Under the current format, the top six teams qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the team finishing seventh will enter a play-off.
After 12 rounds, Messi remains Argentina’s top scorer with six goals, bringing his overall tally to 112 in 191 international appearances.
In addition to Messi, Argentina will also miss Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries. Brazil, on the other hand, will be without Neymar, whose thigh injury has kept the Santos forward, 33, out of the national team.
