The world champions will face Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25 with out their influential captain.
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after struggling a groin pressure in Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta on the weekend, his membership has confirmed.
Inter Miami mentioned in a press release on Monday {that a} scan had revealed Messi suffered a “low-grade harm within the adductor muscle” within the 2-1 win on Sunday. The assertion gave no timetable for Messi’s return.
“His scientific progress and response to therapy will decide his availability for competitors,” Inter mentioned.
After lacking three video games for Inter earlier this month, the 37-year-old returned with a objective off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win.
Messi has been not noted of Argentina’s squad for the world champions’ conflict in opposition to Uruguay on Friday, which is adopted by a showdown with Brazil on March 25.
Argentina can guarantee qualification for subsequent yr’s match of their subsequent two video games.
They lead the 10-team South American qualifying group by 5 factors forward of the sport with Uruguay in Montevideo.
The highest six groups qualify immediately for the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
After 12 rounds, Messi is the highest scorer within the competitors with six targets.
Argentina are additionally with out injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate fullback Paulo Montiel.
Brazil can be with out 33-year-old Neymar, who has suffered a thigh harm and has needed to postpone his return to the nationwide workforce. Brazil are fifth, seven factors behind Argentina.
