BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Soccer star Lionel Messi will be absent from the world champion Argentina team for the matches against Uruguay and Brazil in the South American qualifiers apparently due to a muscular injury.
Messi, 37 years old, did not appear in the list of 25 players called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for both matches that were announced this Monday by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
The AFA did not disclose the reasons for the absence of the Argentine captain. According to news reports, Messi suffered a muscular injury the day before in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in the MLS.
Argentina, leading the standings with 25 points and practically having no problems to qualify for the next World Cup, will visit their runner-up Uruguay (20) on Friday and then host Brazil at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
What is Lionel Messi’s new injury?
According to reports from the Argentine press, Messi is suffering from a discomfort in the adductor of his left thigh that he suffered after taking a shot at goal during the match against Atlanta United. The footballer grabbed the area, with a pained expression on his face.
Messi is not the only absence for the Albiceleste in a double match where they could secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovanni Lo Celso were also ruled out.
Since joining the Miami team, Messi has suffered several injuries. In 2024, he only played a total of 30 official matches, including those in the MLS, international cups, and games with the Argentine national team.
Next year is the World Cup in the United States, and although at some point he said he wouldn’t play, now everything seems to indicate that he will be present with the “albiceleste” team to defend the 2022 title and become the first player in history to compete in six World Cups.