Lionel Messi has been excluded from the Argentina squad for next week’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
Messi suffered a minor muscle injury while playing for Inter Miami in a match against Atlanta United in the MLS on Monday morning, in which he scored.
Fabrizio Romano reported, “The examination confirmed that Messi has a small muscle injury in the adductor area, and he will not be available to play for Argentina.”
Messi participated in the last two international breaks in October and November, but missed last September due to the injury he sustained in the 2024 Copa America final.
The Flea won’t be the only significant absence for Argentina; Paulo Dybala will also be sidelined due to injury.
La Albiceleste currently leads the South American qualifiers. If they can defeat Uruguay and Brazil, Lionel Scaloni’s side could become the first team from outside the host nation to book a place at the 2026 World Cup.
