Lionel Messi Ruled Out of Argentina's World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay and Brazil

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain, while Brazil will also be without Neymar due to injury.

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain. As a result, Messi was not included in coach Lionel Scaloni's squad, announced on Monday.

Messi's injury occurred during Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Sunday. Despite scoring a stunning goal, Messi felt muscle discomfort, according to local media reports. The 37-year-old will now remain in the United States to focus on his recovery.

Argentina will be without their star forward for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Messi's absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team will need to adapt and find alternative solutions in his absence.

Argentina, currently leading the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points after 12 games, are set to face two challenging matches. First, they'll travel to second-placed Uruguay on March 21, renewing their historic rivalry in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier. This match promises to be another classic, with Argentina holding a five-point edge over Uruguay at the top of the standings.

Argentina will then host Brazil on March 25, but the Brazilian side will be without forward Neymar, who has been ruled out due to a muscle injury. Neymar was set to make his return to the national team after more than a year, but his injury has dashed those hopes. To make matters worse for Argentina, Lionel Messi will also miss these two matches due to a muscle strain he felt during Inter Miami's 2-1 win against Atlanta United.