Injured Messi to miss Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi’s groin strain was a result of his club’s announcement to skip Argentina’s qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In a statement released on Monday, Inter Miami announced that a scan had revealed Messi had suffered a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle” during the team’s 2-1 victory on Sunday. No schedule was provided for Messi’s return, according to the statement.

His availability for competition will depend on his clinical progress and response, according to Inter.

The 37-year-old returned with a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup victory after missing three games for Inter earlier this month.

Argentina’s squad for the world championship match against Uruguay on Friday, which will be followed by a showdown with Brazil on March 25 is without Messi.

In their next two games, Argentina will be guaranteed qualification for the next tournament.

Five points ahead of Uruguay in Montevideo, they lead the South American qualifying group’s 10-team group.

The top six teams from the United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically advance to the World Cup.

With six goals in the final twelve rounds, Messi leads the league in goals scored.

Additionally, Argentina are without River Plate fullback Paulo Montiel and Roma striker Paulo Dybala.