Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina's squad for their next two World Cup qualifiers due to a muscle injury. The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for Inter Miami, recently returned to the starting lineup but sustained a "low-grade" injury to his adductor muscle during a match against Atlanta United. Despite his impressive performance, which included scoring his first MLS goal of the season, the injury has ruled him out of representing his country in crucial upcoming fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil.

Argentina, the reigning world champions, are currently leading the South American qualifying group and can secure their place in the 2026 World Cup during this round of matches. They are five points ahead of second-placed Uruguay and seven points clear of Brazil, who are in fifth. Messi, who has scored six goals in the qualifying rounds so far, holds the record as Argentina's all-time top scorer with 112 goals from 191 appearances. Alongside Messi, Argentina will also miss the services of injured players Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel for these important matches.

In contrast, Brazil will also be without Neymar, Messi's former teammate at Barcelona, due to a thigh injury. As both teams prepare for these vital qualifiers, the absence of key players like Messi and Neymar highlights the challenges faced by national teams in maintaining their top talents in the lead-up to the World Cup.