Lionel Messi, the iconic Inter Miami forward and captain of Argentina’s national team, will miss the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor adductor muscle injury. The 37-year-old sustained the injury during Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer (MLS) win over Atlanta United, forcing him to withdraw from the Argentina squad.
The injury, described as “low-grade” by Inter Miami, comes as a setback for Messi, who had recently returned to the starting lineup after missing three games for his club. Despite his absence, Messi expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating, “It’s a shame to miss two such special qualification games. I wanted to be there as always, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again. But I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like a fan.”
Impact on Argentina’s World Cup Campaign
Argentina, the reigning world champions, currently lead the South American qualifying table with a five-point advantage and six games remaining. A strong performance in the upcoming matches could secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, making Messi’s absence a significant blow.
The squad will also be without Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate defender Gonzalo Montiel, both sidelined due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Argentina remains a formidable team, with Messi’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess having been instrumental in their recent successes.
Messi is the top scorer in the current World Cup qualifiers, netting six goals and bringing his international tally to 112 goals in 191 appearances for Argentina. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team will look to other key players to step up in his stead.
Brazil’s Challenges Ahead of the Qualifiers
Brazil, Argentina’s upcoming opponent, will also face challenges, as star forward Neymar has been ruled out of the qualifiers due to a thigh injury. The 33-year-old Santos forward’s absence adds another layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated clash between the two South American giants.
The match between Argentina and Brazil is one of the most storied rivalries in international football, and the absence of both Messi and Neymar could shift the dynamics of the game. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt to the absence of their talismanic players.
Messi’s Recent Form and Recovery
Messi’s injury comes at a time when he has been regaining his form after a brief spell on the sidelines. He recently came off the bench to score in Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Cavalier in Jamaica, showcasing his enduring quality and importance to his club.
Inter Miami will be hoping for a swift recovery for Messi, as his presence is crucial to their ambitions in both the MLS and international competitions. The club confirmed that the injury is minor, suggesting that Messi could return to action soon after the international break.
Broader Implications for Argentina and Messi
Messi’s absence from the qualifiers highlights the challenges of managing a player of his age and stature, especially given his heavy workload with both club and country. As Argentina’s captain and leading scorer, Messi’s fitness and availability remain critical to their success.
The injury also underscores the importance of squad depth and the need for Argentina to develop alternative strategies in case Messi is unavailable. While his leadership and skill are irreplaceable, the team must demonstrate its ability to perform without him to maintain its dominance in South American football.
Next Steps
As Messi focuses on recovery, Argentina will prepare for their crucial qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. The team’s performance in these matches will be closely watched, as they aim to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup and continue their reign as world champions.
For Messi, the priority will be to regain full fitness and return to action for both Inter Miami and Argentina. His absence from the qualifiers is a reminder of his enduring importance to the sport and the challenges of balancing club and international commitments at this stage of his career.
