Wait, what?! Argentina’s biggest star, Lionel Messi, is officially out of this month’s World Cup qualifiers! A groin strain from Inter Miami’s latest match means he’ll miss the crucial clashes against Uruguay and Brazil. His club confirmed the injury on Monday, revealing a “low-grade adductor muscle injury” with no set return date.
With Messi sidelined, Argentina will take on Uruguay this Friday and Brazil on March 25 without their main playmaker. The 37-year-old had already missed three games for Inter Miami earlier this month but made a comeback with a goal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champs, are sitting comfortably at the top of South America’s qualifying table, leading by five points. A couple more wins, and they could lock in their spot for the 2026 World Cup.
It’s not just Messi—Argentina will also be missing Paulo Dybala and Paulo Montiel due to injuries. Meanwhile, Brazil, currently in fifth place, will have to do without Neymar, who’s still recovering from a thigh injury.
With two huge matches ahead, can Argentina prove they’re still unstoppable without their GOAT?