Lionel Messi Ruled Out of World Cup Qualifiers Due to Injury

Argentina star Lionel Messi will miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a low-grade adductor muscle injury. The 37-year-old suffered the injury during Inter Miami 2-1 win over Atlanta United. An MRI confirmed the issue. Messi, along with Dybala, Montiel, and Lo Celso, is out of the squad. Argentina leads the South American table.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaching, Argentina faces a major setback as Lionel Messi has been ruled out of crucial matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury. The 37-year-old, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was excluded from Argentina’s 25-man squad announced by coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi, who has already missed three matches this month, suffered the injury during Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Atlanta United, where he scored in the 20th minute. An MRI later confirmed a low-grade injury in his adductor muscle.

Argentina, currently leading the South American qualifiers, will visit second-placed Uruguay and later host fifth-placed Brazil at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Victories in these matches could potentially seal their qualification. However, Messi isn't the only absence as Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso are also ruled out. Additionally, youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri were dropped from the squad.

Inter Miami confirmed Messi's progress will determine his return timeline. This season, recurring injuries have sidelined him multiple times despite being the reigning Major League Soccer MVP. Argentina's challenge now intensifies with these key players missing in crucial encounters.