Lionel Messi is not included in Argentina’s squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle injury. Despite his absence, Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The squad is also missing Paulo Dybala and Paulo Montiel. Argentina can seal qualification for the World Cup with favorable results in these matches.
Lionel Messi has been excluded from Argentina’s national squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle injury sustained during an MLS match with Inter Miami. This injury follows prior absences, including missing three matches in early March. Despite scoring after coming off the bench in a recent CONCACAF Champions Cup win, Messi felt discomfort post-game.
Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying standings with 25 points from 12 matches, while Uruguay holds second place with 20 points. The top six teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina can potentially secure their spot in the next two games against Uruguay and Brazil, where they will play in Montevideo and then host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.
Messi remains the top scorer in the qualifying round with six goals. However, he will join injured teammates Paulo Dybala and Paulo Montiel on the sidelines. Brazil also faces challenges, with Neymar recently sidelined due to a thigh injury.
The Argentina squad includes:
– Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven).
– Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Facundo Medina (Lens), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), German Pezzella (River Plate).
– Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Maximo Perrone (Como), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Benjamin Dominguez (Bologna), Thiago Almada (Lyon).
– Forwards: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Nicolas Paz (Como), Santiago Castro (Bologna), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus).
Lionel Messi’s absence from Argentina’s squad for critical World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil is due to a muscle injury suffered during an MLS match. While Argentina is well-positioned in the qualifying standings, missing key players including Messi, Paulo Dybala, and Paulo Montiel poses a challenge. Nonetheless, Argentina is poised to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup barring unforeseen circumstances.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
