Messi is absent from the March matches. Photo: Reuters .

On social media, Messi wrote: “I am very sad to miss these important matches against Uruguay and Brazil. I really wanted to play, but a small injury forced me to rest for a while. I will cheer and support from afar like a normal fan. Come on, Argentina!”

On March 17, the Argentine Football Federation confirmed that Messi will not participate in the March series of matches due to “pain in the adductor muscle”. The absence of M10 is a big loss for coach Lionel Scaloni’s team. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Messi is leading the list of top scorers with 6 goals, 1 more than the second-placed Darwin Nunez.

Before his injury, Messi was carefully cared for by Inter Miami’s medical team to ensure he was not overloaded during the early stages of the 2025 season. Goal revealed that the medical teams of Argentina and Inter Miami regularly discussed M10’s condition, avoiding overloading the striker.

Despite getting a good rest, Messi was injured in the match against Atlanta United. In this match, M10 scored a goal with a classy solo effort.

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina are still highly rated when they face Uruguay and Brazil. Coach Scaloni and his team are in very good form and are at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings, 5 points ahead of second place.