Lionel Messi Excluded from Argentina Squad Due to Injury

Lionel Messi will be absent from Argentina’s forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Brazil and Uruguay after an MRI scan confirmed an injury. The revelation surfaced on Monday, just a day after reports of discomfort emerged following his latest match for Inter Miami.

MRI Results Confirm Injury

Inter Miami issued a statement detailing that Messi underwent an MRI on Monday morning to evaluate the extent of his discomfort. The scan results revealed a minor strain in his adductor muscle.

“The MRI results confirmed a mild injury in the adductor muscle. His availability for upcoming matches will depend on how he responds to treatment and his overall recovery progress,” the club stated.

Messi’s Response

Messi shared his disappointment on Instagram, expressing regret over missing the significant games against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25.

“It’s frustrating to miss these important matches with the Argentinian squad. As always, I was eager to be there, but unfortunately, a minor injury forced me to take a short break before resuming play. I’ll be supporting the team from afar like any dedicated fan. Vamos Argentina!” he wrote.

Ongoing Concerns About Messi’s Condition

The 37-year-old had initially been named in Argentina’s 33-man squad on March 2, despite speculation surrounding his fitness. Prior to this, Messi had already skipped three fixtures for Inter Miami due to workload management. He returned to the field as a substitute during a Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Cavalier FC and later played the entire match against Atlanta United, where he managed to score.

Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, had previously clarified that Messi’s absence from certain games was a preventive measure to manage his workload. Given the demanding season ahead, including the upcoming Club World Cup, the club wanted to ensure his long-term fitness.

“We aimed to regulate Messi’s playing time to avoid excessive strain. Fortunately, we handled it well, preventing any severe complications,” Mascherano explained.

Continuous Monitoring by Medical Staff

Mascherano emphasized that Inter Miami’s medical professionals were in close collaboration with Argentina’s national team doctors to monitor Messi’s physical condition. Before the match against Atlanta United, he expressed confidence that Messi would be fit to join the national squad.

“The medical teams of both Inter Miami and Argentina have been in continuous contact. If necessary, I’m open to discussions with the coaching staff, but our medical professionals are managing the situation,” he remarked before the game.

Projected Return to Action

With Messi ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming matches, attention now shifts to his rehabilitation process. The primary objective is to have him fit and ready to feature for Inter Miami in their MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union on March 29.

Argentina will have to proceed without their captain for these crucial qualifiers as they continue their pursuit of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.