Argentina captain Lionel Messi will miss the nation’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil after being left out of the squad by coach Lionel Scaloni.
The decision follows Inter Miami’s announcement that Messi has a “low-grade” adductor injury. The 37-year-old reportedly experienced discomfort during Miami’s 2-1 Major League Soccer win over Atlanta on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
To determine the severity of the adductor region pain he suffered during last night’s game against Atlanta United, Messi had an MRI this morning. The results of the examination verified that the adductor muscle had a low-grade damage. According to Inter Miami, his availability for competition will depend on his clinical development and reaction to treatment.
Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 112 goals in 191 appearances, expressed his disappointment: “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. I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let’s go, Argentina.”
Argentina, currently leading the South American standings by five points, will play second-placed Uruguay on Friday, March 21, 2025, and then host fifth-placed Brazil on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
In addition to Messi, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso will also be absent from the squad due to injuries.
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