“It’s a shame to miss the two very special upcoming matches of the Argentina national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As usual, I always wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a small injury forced me to stop for a while before continuing, leaving me on the sidelines. From now on I will cheer and support you like any other fan. Come on Argentina!”, Messi wrote on the social network Instagram on March 18.
In addition to Messi’s absence, the Argentina team also parted ways with striker Paulo Dybala and right-back Gonzalo Montiel for the same reason.
In addition, coach Scaloni eliminated 4 other players for tactical reasons, including Francisco Ortega, Alejandro Garnacho, Claudio Echeverri and Giovani Lo Celso, to narrow the list to 26 players. Albiceleste is preparing to play matches against Uruguay at 6:30 am on March 22 (away) and Brazil at 7:00 am on March 26 (home), in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Messi was previously on the preliminary list of the Argentina national team. This famous player has recently had a long break due to overload and muscle fatigue. He has just returned in the last 2 matches of Inter Miami.
However, playing continuously with an average of 3 matches per day and on artificial turf, like the recent match against Atlanta United, has had a significant impact on Messi’s physical condition.
Messi’s withdrawal from the Argentina national team is also to prevent a recurrence of muscle injuries, which could easily lead to the risk of him missing the 2026 World Cup that this famous player is cherishing to attend.
Argentina are leading the South American qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup with 25 points, after eight wins, one draw and three losses. Uruguay are next with 20 points, while Brazil are fifth with 18 points.
The Brazilian team also parted ways with striker Neymar due to injury. The promised confrontation between Messi and Neymar therefore did not happen.
Messi will be out until the end of March with the hope of returning in time for the match against Philadelphia Union (March 30) and the two CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final matches against Los Angeles FC, with the first leg taking place on April 3 and the return leg on April 10.
