Lionel Messi Misses FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury
Argentina’s Football Star Sits Out
Lionel Messi, Argentina’s celebrated footballer, will miss the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury. The 37-year-old star was not part of Argentina’s 25-player squad announced by coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday.
Injury During MLS Match
Messi sustained the injury during Inter Miami’s win over Atlanta United in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on Sunday. Inter Miami later confirmed that Messi underwent an MRI to evaluate the discomfort in his adductor region.
- Inter Miami’s statement revealed a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle.
- Messi’s availability for competition will depend on his clinical progress and response to treatment.
Argentina Tops South American Qualifying
Argentina, currently at the helm of the South America qualifiers, will face second-placed Uruguay on Friday and host fifth-placed Brazil four days later at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
More Absentees for Argentina
Messi wasn’t the only player missing for the two crucial matches. Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso were also sidelined. Coach Lionel Scaloni dropped Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri from the larger squad announced on March 2.
Messi’s Recurring Injury Issues
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and captain who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title has been frequently sidelined by Inter Miami this season due to injury concerns.
- Messi missed three games earlier this month.
- He returned for the second leg of Inter Miami’s round-of-16 CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier SC.
- Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi’s fitness to start against Atlanta on Sunday, where he scored in the 20th minute before reportedly getting injured.
