In a surprising turn of events, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has announced the squad for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, notably excluding the legendary Lionel Messi. The absence of the 2022 World Cup hero has left fans in shock as Argentina prepares for two pivotal matches in the South American qualifiers.
Messi, 37, will miss the games scheduled for this Saturday and next Wednesday due to a muscle strain he sustained during Inter Miami’s recent match against Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS). Despite scoring a stunning goal in Miami’s 2-1 victory on Sunday, Messi reportedly felt muscle discomfort, marking a setback in his return to the pitch after an intermittent absence since February.
The Argentine superstar had missed three previous games but made a comeback last Thursday in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 against Cavalry SC. Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, had initially confirmed that Messi was fit to start against Atlanta United. However, the player’s condition worsened, leading to his exclusion from the national team.
As a result, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will remain in the United States to recover. Inter Miami confirmed on Monday that Messi underwent an MRI scan to assess the extent of the discomfort in his thigh muscle. The club stated, “The scan results revealed a mild injury in the thigh muscle,” adding that his clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for future matches.
High-Stakes Matches for Argentina
Argentina, currently leading the South American qualifiers with 25 points from 12 matches, faces a challenging schedule. They will first take on second-placed Uruguay this Friday, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Brazil on March 25. The absence of Messi and Brazil’s Neymar, who is also sidelined due to a muscle injury, adds further intrigue to these critical encounters.
Scaloni’s squad has also been hit by other notable absences, including Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso. Additionally, Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri were left out of the roster, leaving Argentina with a reshaped lineup for these decisive matches.
As the Albiceleste aim to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, the pressure mounts on Scaloni and his team to deliver without their talismanic captain. Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see how Argentina navigates these crucial qualifiers in Messi’s absence.
Lionel Messi Sidelined for Argentina’s Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay and Brazil
