Messi Left Out of Argentina Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina in their next two World Cup qualifying matches.
The 37-year-old recently returned to Inter Miami’s starting lineup after being rested for three games. However, Inter Miami said in a statement on Monday that he sustained a “low-grade” adductor muscle injury during a match against Atlanta United. The statement gave no timetable for Messi’s return.
“His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition,” Inter said
Despite his injury, Messi scored in a recent victory for Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier in Jamaica.
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According to a report by BBC, Argentina is currently leading the South American qualifying group and can secure a spot in next year’s World Cup with good results in their upcoming games against Uruguay and Brazil.
They hold a five-point lead over Uruguay, with six matches left to play. The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will enter a playoff.
Messi is the top scorer in the qualifiers, with six goals, bringing his total to 112 goals in 191 international matches. Argentina will also miss injured players Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel.
Brazil will be without Neymar, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury, preventing him from returning to the national team.
