It Turns Out, Messi Injured So He Didn't Enter The Argentina Squad

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi will not join Argentina for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay this month.

He turned out to have failed to be on the final cast list on Monday, March 17, 2025, after news of an injury surfaced in the past 24 hours.

His club, Inter Miami, said Messi had undergone an MRI on Monday, March 17, 2025, local time, after feeling discomfort with his educator muscles in the match against Atlanta United FC which ended in a 2-1 win on Monday, March 17, 2025, early morning WIb.

"Messi underwent an MRI to assess the level of discomfort in her educator's area, which she experienced during the match against Atlanta United," Inter Miami said in a statement.

"The results of the examination confirmed minor injuries to the injector muscles. Clinical progress and its response to treatment will determine its availability to compete."

Messi also posted a statement on Instagram that he regretted having to miss defending the Argentine National Team in the important match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

"It's a shame to miss this special match with the Argentine National Team against Brazil and Uruguay."

"As usual, I wanted to be there, but in the last minute a less serious injury forced me to take a break before returning to play so I couldn't play."

"However, I will support and encourage from here like a fan. Come on Argentina!"

The 37-year-old was on the list of 33 early players for Argentina on March 2, 2025 despite concerns about his physical condition.

Messi has missed three games for Inter Miami due to load management, before returning on Friday, March 14, 2025, to appear as a substitute in the Concacaf Champions Cup win over the Cavalier FC.

Setelah awal yang sibuk di musim MLS (Major League Soccer) 2025 dengan tiga pertandingan dalam rangkahan tujuh hari, pelatih kepala Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, mengumumkan Messi akan di restasi karena manajemen beban sebelum pertandingan tim melawan Houston Dynamo FC pada 2 Maret 2025.

At the time, Mascherano stressed that Messi was not injured, but was rested as a precaution ahead of the long season which would include participation in this summer's inaugural Club World Cup.

Messi is expected to be included in Argentina's newest squad after playing full 90 minutes and scoring a beautiful goal against Atlanta United.

Given his injury, Messi was ultimately not included in Lionel Scaloni's team for two 2026 World Cup Qualification matches against Uruguay (March 21, 2025) and Brazil (March 25, 2025).

"We are trying to reduce the burden that Messi is experiencing so it won't get worse than that. We are trying to handle it in the best possible way."

"Fortunately, we were able to control it and it didn't turn into injury or worse. Today his condition improved and we decided to give him playing minutes. There is no secret in this regard," Mascherano said ahead of the match against Atlanta United.

The coach later revealed that Inter Miami doctors continue to communicate with the Argentine National Team's medical staff to keep getting information about Messi's status and be able to make appropriate plans.

Mascherano said before the game against Atlanta that Messi might not have a problem joining La Albiceleste.

"Of course the Argentine National Team doctor is contacting the doctor here and they are specifically discussing it."

"I haven't spoken to the coaching staff yet. If they have time to consult, I will talk to them. I don't think that's necessary because doctors always contact me," Mascherano said.

The hope now is that Messi will return to the pitch with Inter Miami on March 29, 2025 for the regular MLS season match against Philadelphia Union.

Currently, La Albiceleste leads the 2026 Conmebol Zone World Cup Qualifiers with 25 points in 12 matches.