Messi injured, misses big matches with Uruguay and Brazil

TPO - Superstar Lionel Messi withdrew from the Argentina national team during FIFA Days in March.

Argentina's 26-man squad to face Uruguay and Brazil.

Messi suffered a muscle injury during the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta in the fourth round of MLS on March 16. The Argentine superstar had a problem with the adductor muscle of his left leg and underwent an MRI scan after the match. Although the injury is not too serious, Messi will still be absent from Argentina's international training camp in March.

Messi was previously included in the preliminary list of 33 players but was removed by coach Lionel Scaloni after Inter Miami updated his injury situation. Messi expressed regret at not being able to participate in the two matches against Uruguay and Brazil. He shared on Instagram: "It is a pity and shame that I cannot participate in the team's two key matches against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I really wanted to fight with the whole team, but a last-minute injury forced me to take a break and miss this time."

Coach Lionel Scaloni dropped six more players including Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, Francisco Ortega, Alejandro Garnacho, Claudio Echeverri and Giovani Lo Celso to complete the list of 26 players to face Argentina and Uruguay.

Argentina are leading the South American qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup with 25 points after 12 matches. The defending World Cup champions are very close to a ticket to the tournament in 2026. Argentina will visit Uruguay on March 21 and host Brazil on March 25.

Khanh Kieu