Lionel Messi sparks concern in Argentina after shock World Cup Qualifiers absence
Argentina is gearing up for crucial CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the standings. However, Lionel Messi’s unexpected absence has dealt a significant blow to Lionel Scaloni’s squad ahead of these key fixtures.
While Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is not in immediate danger, excitement had been building ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Brazil on home soil — a game where fans were eager to see Messi in action. Now, a last-minute setback has ruled the Argentine star out of the international break entirely.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed Messi’s absence when they announced the squad list on their official X account. According to DSports Radio’s Nani Senra, the decision stems from an injury Messi sustained during Inter Miami’s recent MLS match against Atlanta United.
On Sunday, Messi delivered an impressive performance, scoring a stunning goal and completing the full 90 minutes despite recent struggles with muscular fatigue. However, as reported by ESPN Argentina, a post-match MRI revealed a minor adductor injury, ultimately prompting Argentina’s medical staff to rule him out as a precaution.
This marks Messi’s first absence from the national team since September 2024, when he missed the World Cup Qualifier matches against Chile and Colombia due to a ligament injury. With Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil in the coming days, Scaloni’s squad will need to adapt quickly without their talisman.
More injury woes for Argentina
Adding to Scaloni’s concerns, Argentina has suffered another setback with the absence of Paulo Dybala. The AS Roma forward, considered one of Messi’s natural replacements, underwent tests on Monday that revealed an injury to the semitendinosus tendon in his left thigh.
As a result, Dybala is expected to be sidelined for at least a month, ruling him out of the World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil — further limiting Scaloni’s attacking options in what could be a challenging international window.