Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has not been included in Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old recently returned to Miami’s starting XI in their Major League Soccer victory over Atlanta United but reportedly sustained an injury during the match on Sunday.
Inter Miami later confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has suffered a “low-grade” adductor muscle injury.
Before this, Messi had been rested for three consecutive Miami games but made an impact last week, coming off the bench to score in their Concacaf Champions Cup triumph against Jamaican side Cavalier.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, have the opportunity to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup during this international window, with matches scheduled against Uruguay and Brazil.
They currently sit atop South America’s 10-team qualifying group, leading Uruguay by five points with six games left to play. Brazil, meanwhile, are in fifth place, trailing by seven points.
The top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed side will compete in a play-off.
After 12 qualifying matches, Messi leads the scoring charts with six goals, increasing his overall international record to 112 goals in 191 appearances.
Argentina will also be missing Roma forward Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries.
Brazil, on the other hand, will be without Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Neymar, as the 33-year-old Santos forward has been sidelined with a thigh injury.
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