Buenos Aires – Football superstar Lionel Messi will be absent from Argentina’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil, reportedly due to a muscle injury.
The 37-year-old forward was not included in the 25-player roster announced on Monday by head coach Lionel Scaloni, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). His absence has raised concerns among fans and analysts, as Messi has been a key figure in Argentina’s success in recent years.
The AFA did not disclose the reasons behind Messi’s absence. However, media reports suggest that the Argentine captain suffered a muscle injury during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) the day before. This has led to speculation regarding his fitness and availability for future matches.
Messi’s absence is the most significant loss for Argentina in this call-up. Other key players missing from the squad include Lisandro Martínez, Gonzalo Montiel, and Paulo Dybala, who are regular starters for the Albiceleste. The loss of these players adds further challenges for Argentina as they prepare to face two of the toughest teams in South America.
Argentina is currently among the top teams in the South American qualifiers, but the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil will be decisive in their journey toward securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Without Messi, the team will have to rely on other key players such as Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, and Rodrigo De Paul to lead the attack and maintain their strong position in the standings.
Uruguay, known for its solid defensive play and aggressive attacking style, will be a tough opponent for Argentina. Similarly, Brazil, a traditional football powerhouse, will present a formidable challenge, especially with their home advantage. Both matches are expected to be intense and highly competitive, testing Argentina’s depth and adaptability without their iconic captain.
Fans and experts alike are hopeful that Messi will recover soon and return to the field in peak condition. His influence on and off the pitch remains crucial for Argentina as they strive to defend their World Cup title and maintain their dominance in international football.
As the qualifiers progress, all eyes will be on Argentina to see how they perform without their star player. The upcoming matches will not only determine their position in the standings but also showcase the team’s ability to compete at the highest level without Messi leading the charge.