Lionel Messi has not been included in Argentina’s 26-man squad for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. 

Messi, who is the most decorated player in football history, failed to make Lionel Scaloni’s squad due to a leg injury.

Inter Miami captain Messi played the full 90 minutes as his team eked out a narrow 2-1 victory over Atalanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, 16 March. Emmanuel Latte Lath scored the opener for Atalanta in the 11th minute, but Messi scored a fine equalizer just nine minutes later. Finally, in the 89th minute, Fafa Picault scored the winning goal for the Herons.

Why Is Lionel Messi Absent from Argentina’s Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers? 27575a

It was Lionel Messi’s first full game for Inter Miami for over a month. However, it still came too early for the 37-year-old, as he finished the game with an adductor injury. After carrying out further tests, it has been decided that Messi is not fit to represent Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Shedding light on Messi’s injury, Inter Miami’s official statement read:

“Messi underwent an MRI (scan) this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United. 

“The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.”

Messi has long been dealing with niggling injuries. Before featuring against Atlanta, he sat out the matches against Houston Dynamo and the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Cavalier due to muscle overload.

His last appearance for Argentina came against Peru in November 2024. He claimed an assist as La Albiceleste claimed a 1-0 win.

Argentina’s Squad for Games Against Uruguay and Brazil 6n1fm

Lionel Scaloni has selected a strong XI for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Walter Benitez (PSV)

Defenders

Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Lens), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), German Pezzella (River Plate).

Midfielders

Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Maximo Perrone (Como), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Benjamin Dominguez (Bologne), Thiago Almada (Lyon).

Forwards

Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Santiago Castro (Bologna), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus).

Argentina, who are leading the CONMEBOL rankings, will take on Uruguay on Friday, 21 March. Their game against arch-rivals Brazil is scheduled for 25 March.