Lionel Messi has expressed his disappointment at missing Argentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
Up until Monday morning, Messi was fit to represent Argentina in the two big matches, but he suffered a muscle injury while playing for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in the MLS.
Speaking after being left out of coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad, Messi said, “It’s a pity to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil.”
He added, “I wanted to be there, as always, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to stop for a while before playing again, which keeps me out of the stadiums.”
He concluded, “I will cheer you on and say goodbye from here like any other fan. Come on, Argentina.”
The Albiceleste lead the South American qualifying standings with 25 points from 12 rounds. If Argentina wins against Uruguay and Brazil, it will become the first team, after the host countries, to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
