As another international break rolls in this week, South American soccer fans are bracing themselves for the excitement of World Cup qualifiers. Argentina has two major matches lined up—one against their fierce rivals, Brazil, and the other against Uruguay. Yet, the buzz around these fixtures carries an unexpected twist: Lionel Messi will not be part of the squad.
The announcement came from Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s head coach, who revealed the 25-man roster earlier this week. Messi, currently shining for Inter Miami, has been sidelined due to what has been described as discomfort, according to reliable insider Fabrizio Romano. This news was disappointing for many fans who look forward to seeing the iconic player take the field, especially in matches as crucial as these, where Argentina will be vying to secure their position in the 2026 World Cup.
Messi had recently returned to action after some time out. He played a key role in Inter Miami’s recent 2-1 win over Atlanta United, where he even managed to score. However, it appeared he might have been dealing with a sore thigh during that match. After sitting out several games at the beginning of the season, with a notable absence following the MLS opener on February 22, Messi finally made a comeback in the Concacaf Champions League last week before starting against Atlanta. His presence on the pitch tends to elevate the game, so the thought of him missing out against Brazil and Uruguay weighs heavy on many hearts.
It’s disheartening for fans to imagine qualifiers without their number 10. But looking at the bright side, Argentina currently sits at the top of the qualifying table—a solid five points ahead of Uruguay. This favorable position could soften the blow of Messi’s absence, yet his unique flair and playmaking skills will undoubtedly be missed. Interestingly, the Argentine national team has not specified the exact reasons for his omission, leading to speculation and concern among supporters about his well-being.
Even though there’s no official word on an injury, it’s clear that Messi’s health is a priority for both the national team and Inter Miami. With the season still in its infancy, Inter Miami will want to ensure their star player is healthy and fit for the long haul. Coach Scaloni might have to reconfigure his game strategy in light of Messi’s absence since the 37-year-old’s contributions extend far beyond just scoring—his vision, creativity, and experience are irreplaceable.
Moreover, it’s not just Messi missing from this squad. Other notable players like Paulo Dybala, Giovani Lo Celso, and Gonzalo Montiel were also left off the roster, leaving a significant gap in the team’s attacking prowess. Argentina boasts a respectable record of 8 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws over 12 matches, with Messi himself netting six goals and providing three assists in just nine appearances.
As Argentina gets ready to face off against Uruguay this Friday, followed by Brazil next Tuesday, the thoughts of fans and analysts alike will be whether the team can step up and fill the void left by their greatest player. For now, all eyes will be on the pitch—hoping for a competitive spirit and showcasing the depth of talent that La Albiceleste possesses, even without their talisman. The upcoming matches will certainly be ones to watch, and fans will be cheering, hoping for a vivid display of skill and determination in the face of adversity.
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