Lionel Messi will not feature in Argentina’s squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay this month.
The 37-year-old was absent from the final roster announced on Monday, despite being named in the initial 33-man squad on March 2 amid concerns over his fitness.
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, had missed three MLS matches due to load management but returned for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 clash against Jamaican club Cavalier FC.
After playing the full 90 minutes against Atlanta United on Sunday, many expected him to make the latest squad. However, Argentina’s coaching staff remained in close contact with Inter Miami’s medical team to monitor his condition and make an informed decision.
