Injury Rules Messi Out of Argentina’s Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for their next two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches after sustaining an injury.

The 37-year-old recently returned to Miami’s starting XI for their MLS victory over Atlanta United but reportedly suffered an adductor issue during Sunday’s match. Inter Miami later confirmed that Messi has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle.

Prior to his return, Messi had been rested for three games but made an impact last week by coming off the bench to score in Inter’s Concacaf Champions Cup win against Jamaican side Cavalier.

Argentina, who are top of South America’s qualifying standings, could secure early qualification in this window as they face Uruguay away and Brazil at home. They currently lead the 10-nation group by five points over Uruguay, with Brazil seven points behind in fifth. The top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed side will enter a play-off.

Messi remains the leading scorer in the qualifiers with six goals, bringing his international total to 112 goals in 191 appearances.

Argentina will also be without injured Roma forward Paulo Dybala and River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel. Meanwhile, Brazil’s squad will be missing Neymar, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury.