Lionel Messi has delivered an update on his withdrawal from the latest Argentina squad, with the Inter Miami superstar nursing a “small injury”.

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• Workload being managed by Inter Miami
• Still picked up a knock in MLS action
• Must sit out 2026 World Cup qualifiers

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Albiceleste have confirmed that their captain will not be reporting for 2026 World Cup qualifying duty due to “discomfort in his adductor region”. As a result, Messi will play no part in meetings with arch-rivals Uruguay and Brazil.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  He will be a big miss for Lionel Scaloni’s side, with important points in the CONMEBOL section of qualification up for grabs. Every effort had been made at club level to ensure that Messi was not pushed beyond breaking point in the early stages of Inter Miami’s 2025 campaign.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has seen plenty of rest, as his workload is managed, but a muscle complaint was still picked up in a MLS clash with Atlanta United – a game that saw Messi register another stunning solo goal.

• WHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

  The 37-year-old has posted on social media of being denied the opportunity to add to his collection of 191 international caps: “I'm sad to miss these important games against Uruguay and Brazil with the national team. I really wanted to play but a small injury means I need to rest for a bit, so I can't be there. I'll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let's go, Argentina!”

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Tags: Futebol
Category: News