Lionel Messi, a forward for Inter Miami, has been left off of Argentina’s roster for their next World Cup qualifying matches.
The 37-year-old reportedly sustained an injury during Sunday’s game, but he returned to Miami’s starting lineup for their Major League Soccer victory over Atlanta United.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s “low-grade” adductor muscle injury was later verified by Inter.
Messi came off the bench and scored in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup victory over Jamaican team Cavalier after being sidelined for three Miami games.
As the holders travel to Uruguay and host Brazil in this round of competition, Argentina can guarantee their spot in the World Cup the following year.
With six games left, they are five points ahead of Uruguay in South America’s 10-team qualification group, while Brazil is seven points behind them in fifth place.
The team in seventh place enters a play-off, while the top six teams automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
With six goals after 12 matches, Messi leads the league in scoring with 191 international appearances.
Additionally, Argentina will be without River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel and injured Roma attacker Paulo Dybala.
Messi’s old Barcelona teammate Neymar will not be playing for Brazil again because of a thigh injury that has prevented the 33-year-old Santos forward from rejoining the national squad.
