Argentina will be without captain and Inter Miami star, Lionel Messi, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against arch-rivals, Uruguay and Brazil, due to injury.
Messi suffered a groin strain during Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer action last weekend. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been managing a heavy workload in recent weeks.
“I’m sad to miss these important games against Uruguay and Brazil. I really wanted to play, but a small injury means I need to rest for a bit, so I can’t be there,” Messi said. “I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let’s go, Argentina.”
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano previously rested Messi to avoid injury following a gruelling schedule in Major League Soccer and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.