Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor muscle injury. The 37-year-old was not included in the 25-man squad announced on Monday by coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi featured in Inter Miami’s MLS win over Atlanta United on Sunday, scoring in the 20th minute and playing the full 90 minutes of the match despite picking up an injury. On Monday, Inter Miami confirmed he had suffered a “low-grade” adductor muscle injury.
“Messi underwent an MRI [scan] this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United,” read a club statement.
“The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.”
Argentina, who lead South American World Cup qualifying, will visit second-placed Uruguay on Friday and host fifth-placed Brazil four days later at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The Argentinian Football Association had not disclosed a reason for his absence.
Messi was not the only absentee for the two matches that could seal Argentina’s qualification. Also ruled out were Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel and Giovani Lo Celso. Scaloni also dropped Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Manchester City newcomer Claudio Echeverri from the larger squad announced on 2 March.
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World Cup winner Messi has been sidelined several times by Inter Miami this season due to a risk of injury, team coach Javier Mascherano said. This month, Messi missed three games but returned on Thursday for the second leg of the round-of-16 Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Cavalier SC.