Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old returned to Inter Miami’s starting lineup in the win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS), but reportedly suffered an injury during Sunday’s game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Monday night).
Inter Miami later confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a “low-degree” injury in his adductor (thigh muscle).
Messi was rested for three games for Miami before coming on as a substitute and scoring in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win against Jamaican side Cavalier.
Argentina can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in this round of qualifiers, where they visit Uruguay and then face Brazil at home.
Argentina lead the qualifying group in South America with five points ahead of Uruguay, with six games left to play. Brazil is in fifth place, seven points behind.
The top six teams in the group qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will have to go into a play-off match.
After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer in the qualifiers with six goals, taking his total international score to 112 goals in 191 games.
Argentina will also have to do without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel.
Brazil will be without Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Neymar, as a thigh injury has prevented the 33-year-old Santos player from returning to the national team.
More about Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is without a doubt one of the greatest footballers of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, he has set countless records and won numerous titles, both at club and national team level.
- Career at Barcelona:
Messi spent over 20 years at Barcelona, where he scored 672 goals in 778 games and won 35 trophies, including four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles. He became a legend at the club and is considered one of the best players to ever play for Barça. - PSG and Inter Miami:
After a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he won two French league titles, Messi moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. His arrival in the United States has been a major event for American football, and he has already shown his class with both goals and assists. - National team achievements:
Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, which was the highlight of his international career. He has also won the Copa América (2021) and Finalissima (2022) with Argentina, establishing himself as one of the country’s greatest players of all time.
What does this mean for Argentina?
Without Messi, Argentina will lose their biggest star and a player who has often been decisive in important matches. Although the team has other talented players such as Lautaro Martínez and Julian Álvarez, Messi’s absence is a major challenge.
However, Argentina has a strong squad and is well placed in the qualifiers. With six games left, they are favourites to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Lionel Messi’s injury is a major setback for both Inter Miami and Argentina. Although he will not feature in the next World Cup qualifiers, he is expected back on the pitch soon. His influence on football is unmatched, and fans around the world hope to see him in action again as soon as possible.
