Messi to Miss Argentina’s Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay and Brazil Due to Groin Injury Sustained in Inter Miami Win
Argentina will be without captain Lionel Messi for this month’s crucial World Cup qualifiers after the star forward suffered a groin strain during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at the weekend.
The club confirmed his injury on Monday, stating that a medical scan revealed a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle.” However, no timeline has been provided for his return, with his availability depending on how he responds to treatment.
As a result, Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for their upcoming matches—Friday’s high-stakes encounter against Uruguay in Montevideo and a showdown with Brazil on March 25. The absence of the 37-year-old forward is a significant blow to the reigning world champions as they seek to maintain their dominance in the South American qualifiers.
Messi had previously missed three games for Inter Miami earlier this month due to fitness concerns but made a return with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match. Despite his injury setbacks, he remains the top scorer in the South American qualifiers with six goals after 12 rounds.
Argentina’s Road to Qualification
Argentina currently sits atop the 10-team South American qualifying table, holding a five-point lead. A strong showing in their next two games could confirm their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top six teams will qualify directly, while the seventh-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff.
Adding to Argentina’s injury woes, Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Paulo Montiel are also unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, Brazil, currently fifth in the standings and seven points behind Argentina, will be without star forward Neymar due to a thigh injury.
Argentina Squad for the World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, ENG)
- Geronimo Rulli (Marseille, FRA)
- Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven, NED)
Defenders:
- Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
- Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille, FRA)
- Cristian Romero (Tottenham, ENG)
- Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica, POR)
- Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon, FRA)
- Facundo Medina (Lens, FRA)
- Juan Foyth (Villarreal, ESP)
- German Pezzella (River Plate)
Midfielders:
- Leandro Paredes (Roma, ITA)
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, ENG)
- Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
- Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, GER)
- Maximo Perrone (Como, ITA)
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, ENG)
- Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
- Benjamin Dominguez (Bologna, ITA)
- Thiago Almada (Lyon, FRA)
Forwards:
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, ITA)
- Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
- Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid, ESP)
- Nicolas Paz (Como, ITA)
- Santiago Castro (Bologna, ITA)
- Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus, ITA)
Argentina will look to overcome these setbacks as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign, aiming to secure their spot in next year’s tournament.
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