Lionel Messi will not participate in Argentina’s upcoming qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, following a groin strain sustained during Inter Miami’s recent victory over Atlanta United. The club confirmed the injury through a statement issued on Monday, which indicated that a medical scan showed Messi has developed a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. As of now, no specific timeline for his return has been provided.
Inter Miami noted that Messi’s recovery will dictate his potential availability for future competitions. The injury comes after Messi returned to action recently, marking his comeback with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. The 37-year-old forward’s absence is a notable loss for the Argentine team as they prepare for crucial matches against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25.
Argentina currently stands at the top of the 10-team South American qualifying group, five points ahead of their nearest competitors. The team’s performance in the next two matches could potentially secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top six teams in the qualifying process will gain direct access to the tournament.
Messi’s scoring prowess has been a vital asset to Argentina; after 12 qualifying rounds, he has emerged as the top scorer in the competition with six goals. However, the national squad will also be missing key players such as Paulo Dybala, who plays for Roma, and River Plate fullback Paulo Montiel due to injuries.
Brazil, Argentina’s next opponent, is similarly facing challenges as Neymar, one of their leading players, has been sidelined with a thigh injury and has had to withdraw from the national team setup. Brazil currently occupies the fifth position in the qualifying group, trailing Argentina by seven points, underscoring the competitive nature of the South American qualifiers.
The upcoming matches are crucial not only for Argentina’s ambitions but also for the broader spectacle of the World Cup, showcasing the high caliber of football in the region. The passion and dedication exhibited by South American teams, including Argentina and Brazil, continue to enrich the global football narrative.
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