Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a low-grade adductor injury.
The injury was confirmed by an MRI scan after Inter Miami's match against Atlanta United.
Inter Miami and Argentina's medical staff are in communication to monitor his progress.
Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan will be returning to Italy too, after withdrawing from the national team.
Why this matters: Messi's and Martinez's absence is a significant blow to Argentina's attacking options, although they are still leading the group.
Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 25 points in 12 games. Messi is the top scorer with six goals in this qualification round, with an overall tally of 112 goals in 191 international appearances. The top six teams qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, and the seventh-placed team goes into a play-off. Argentina will also be missing Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries. Brazil will be without Neymar.
Q: Why is Lionel Messi not playing in the qualifiers?
He sustained a low-grade adductor muscle injury.
Q: When is Messi expected to return?
He is hoping to return for Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia Union on March 29.
Monitor Messi's and Martinez's recovery progress for updates on their return to play.
Argentina fans should be aware of the potential impact on the team's performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
This situation highlights the risk of injuries in professional sports and the need for careful player management.
Do you think Messi's absence will impact Argentina's chances? Let us know! Share this with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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