Inter Miami’s star forward, Lionel Messi, will not be part of Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a recent injury. The 37-year-old, who made his return to Miami’s starting line-up for their Major League Soccer match against Atlanta United, sustained the injury during Sunday’s game.
Messi’s Injury Diagnosis and Absence from Qualifiers
Inter Miami confirmed that Messi has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle, which will prevent him from participating in the crucial qualifiers. This follows a series of rest periods in which Messi had been sidelined for three of Miami’s recent games. The football legend came off the bench and scored during last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win against Jamaican side Cavalier, indicating his ongoing recovery.
In an emotional message on Instagram, Messi expressed his disappointment at missing the two vital World Cup qualification matches. “It’s a shame to miss such special games. I wanted to be there as always, but a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again,” Messi shared. “I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like a fan.”
Impact on Argentina’s Qualification Campaign
Argentina’s World Cup qualification journey will continue without their talismanic captain. However, despite Messi’s absence, the team remains in a strong position. Argentina is currently leading South America’s 10-team qualifying group, sitting five points ahead of second-place Uruguay. With only six games remaining in the campaign, Argentina is in a favorable position to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
In their upcoming fixtures, Argentina will visit Uruguay and host Brazil. Both games are crucial, as Argentina can secure their spot in next year’s World Cup with positive results. As the top six teams in the group automatically qualify, Argentina is well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition.
Brazil, who sits in fifth place, seven points behind Argentina, will also face Argentina in a significant match. The top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team enters a play-off.
Messi’s Impressive Record and Argentina’s Forward Line
Messi, who has scored six goals in the current qualifying round, remains Argentina’s top scorer, with an impressive 112 goals from 191 international appearances. His absence will leave a significant gap in Argentina’s attacking options, but the team will still boast a number of talented players ready to take on the challenge.
Alongside Messi, Argentina will also miss Roma’s Paulo Dybala and River Plate’s Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries. However, Argentina’s coach will likely lean on the strength of their squad, which includes players such as Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, and Rodrigo De Paul.
Brazil’s Own Setback: Neymar’s Injury
Brazil will not be without its own star player. Neymar, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, will also miss the upcoming qualifiers due to a thigh injury. The 33-year-old Santos forward had been expected to make his return to the Brazilian national team but will now be sidelined for the qualifiers.
Both Argentina and Brazil are facing significant challenges ahead of the qualifiers, but with Messi and Neymar out, the matches are set to become even more unpredictable. Argentina’s path to securing a World Cup spot in 2026 remains in their hands, and they will look to maintain their lead as they face Uruguay and Brazil in the coming days.
Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup could be finalized in these two matches, as they lead the South American qualification table with a solid record. As they face Uruguay and Brazil, the team will rely on their deep squad and the leadership of coach Lionel Scaloni to maintain their dominance.
Despite Messi’s injury, Argentina’s chances of qualifying remain high. With a strong lineup and crucial points on the line, the team will look to continue their dominant form as they edge closer to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
