New Delhi: Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. The 37-year-old was not included in the 25-man list announced by coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday, raising concerns over his fitness. While the Argentine Football Association did not provide an official reason for his omission, reports suggest Messi suffered a sore left thigh during Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Sunday.
Messi’s fitness has been a talking point in recent weeks. He has already missed several matches for Inter Miami this season, with his coach Javier Mascherano admitting the club has been cautious to avoid injuries. The Argentine star did not feature against Houston Dynamo, Cavalier SC and Charlotte FC but returned for Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier last Thursday. He was deemed fit to start against Atlanta United, scoring in the 20th minute before reportedly picking up his injury.
Argentina to miss Lionel Messi and key players
🚨❌ BREAKING: Leo Messi won’t be part of Argentina squad for the upcoming games due to discomfort. pic.twitter.com/5sGSqYcVAX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025
Argentina currently lead the qualification standings with 25 points and will face second-place Uruguay on Friday before hosting fifth-place Brazil four days later at the Monumental Stadium. These fixtures could confirm Argentina’s place in the 2026 World Cup, but they must manage without Messi.
Messi is not the only big name missing from Scaloni’s squad. Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso have also been ruled out, while Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri were dropped from the squad initially named on 2nd March.
Concerns over Messi’s fitness have been growing since the start of the season. The Argentine star has already missed multiple matches for Inter Miami, sitting out games against Houston Dynamo, Cavalier SC and Charlotte FC. He only returned last Thursday for the second leg of Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier.
Despite doubts over his fitness, Messi started and scored in the 20th minute against Atlanta United. Reports suggest he picked up his thigh injury soon after that.
With key clashes ahead, Argentina will need to cope without their captain. Fans will be hoping Messi recovers quickly, especially with Copa América approaching.
Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, with reports suggesting he suffered a thigh injury during Inter Miami’s recent match. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
