By Victor Kanayo
Both Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi and his former club teammates will be absent from the current window of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
This is despite being included in their squad.
Messi has been excluded from Argentina’s squad for matches against Uruguay and Brazil.
The 37-year-old returned to Miami’s starting line-up for their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United but picked up an injury during Sunday’s game.
Inter later confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle.
Messi was rested for three Miami games before coming off the bench and scoring in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win at Jamaican side Cavalier.
Argentina can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in this round of games, as the holders visit Uruguay and host Brazil.
They lead South America’s 10-team qualifying group by five points from Uruguay, with six games remaining, while Brazil sit seven points adrift in fifth.
The top six qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team goes into a play-off.
After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer with six goals, taking his overall tally to 112 from 191 international appearances.
Argentina will also be without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel.
