Lionel Messi Ruled Out of Argentina's World Cup Qualifiers with Adductor Injury

The 37-year-old forward will miss matches against Uruguay and Brazil as Argentina nears qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with a low-grade adductor injury following discomfort during Inter Miami's MLS match against Atlanta United on Sunday.
Argentina announced Messi's omission from their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, set for March 21 and 25 respectively.
Argentina leads the South American qualifying standings by five points and can secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup during this international window.
Other key players, including Paulo Dybala and Paulo Montiel for Argentina and Neymar for Brazil, will also miss the qualifiers due to injuries.
Messi, the top scorer in the South American qualifiers with six goals, had recently returned to action after missing three Inter Miami matches earlier this month.