The defending world champions, Argentina, are set to face Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25, but they will be without their influential captain, Lionel Messi, due to a groin strain sustained during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory against Atlanta United. Inter Miami confirmed the injury through a statement, stating that Messi suffered a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle,” although they did not specify when he will return to the field. His availability for upcoming matches will depend on clinical progress and treatment response. After missing three games for Inter earlier this month, Messi made a return with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Argentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil are crucial for their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as they currently lead the South American qualifying group. Argentina can secure their qualification in the next two matches. The top six teams from the qualifying group, which consists of ten teams from South America, will qualify directly for the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi is presently the top scorer in the competition with six goals. Argentina will also be without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate fullback Paulo Montiel. Brazil, on the other hand, will be without 33-year-old Neymar, who has postponed his return to the national team due to a thigh injury. Brazil currently sits in fifth place, seven points behind Argentina.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/3/18/injured-messi-to-miss-argentinas-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers?traffic_source=rss