Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers this month due to a groin strain suffered during Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta on Sunday.
Cyber Reporters reports the injury was confirmed by Inter Miami on Monday, with a scan revealing a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle.”
As a result, Messi will miss Argentina’s crucial matches against Uruguay on Friday and Brazil on March 25.
The 37-year-old had recently returned from a three-game absence, scoring a goal off the bench in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are leading the South American qualifying group by five points and can secure qualification for next year’s tournament with victories in their next two games.
However, they will have to do so without Messi, as well as injured players Paulo Dybala and Paulo Montiel.
Brazil, who are fifth in the qualifying group, will also be missing a key player, with Neymar ruled out due to a thigh injury.
The top six teams in the qualifying group will secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
