Messi ruled out of Argentina's World Cup qualifiers

Lionel Messi has not been named in Argentina's squad for their CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain.

Messi was named to the initial 33-player roster despite concerns over his physical status, missing three matches for Inter Miami due to load management.

He returned to action against Cavalier FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 series, before returning to MLS action on Sunday for the Herons.

Messi scored upon his return for Miami in their 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Sunday, scoring his first league goal of the season with a brilliant dinked finish over Brad Guzan.

He had been expected to make the latest squad after playing a full 90 minutes against Atlanta, but he has since been ruled out of Lionel Scaloni's final squad.

Argentina currently boast a five-point lead at the summit of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, and travel to second-placed Uruguay this Friday.

They then take on Brazil, who are fifth in the table, on March 25, with the Selecao without Neymar, who was expected to return to the national side but has pulled out with injury.

Premier League quartet Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have also been called up for their upcoming fixtures.

This is the final squad list called up by Lionel Scaloni for the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers! pic.twitter.com/j34xzALRDY
— Seleccion Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 17, 2025