This month, Argentina will play two World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. However, unexpectedly, Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the squad due to injury. The World Cup-winning footballer sustained an injury while playing for Inter Miami, just a day before the squad announcement.
Messi was on the field just 24 hours before the squad was announced. He played the full 90 minutes against Atlanta United and even scored a goal. Given this, his absence is quite surprising. Later, it was revealed that Messi picked up an injury during that MLS match, which led to his exclusion from the 25-man squad.
Inter Miami has confirmed that Messi suffered an adductor muscle injury in his leg. However, it is not a serious one—it’s a low-grade injury. This means that he could have taken the risk of playing against Brazil on March 25. But considering his career and workload, he was not included in the squad.
After unexpectedly being ruled out of the squad, Messi shared a message on Instagram. He stated, “I’m sorry that I’m going to miss the crucial matches against Uruguay and Brazil for the national team. I really wanted to play, but a minor injury means I need to take some rest. So, I won’t be able to be there. Like all the other fans, I will continue to support the team. Let’s go, Argentina!”
According to Bangladesh time, the reigning world champions will face Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday morning and Brazil at home on Wednesday. Although Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, they have faced some difficulties recently, losing two of their last five matches and drawing one.
