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Argentina is gearing up for essential CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers towards Uruguay and Brazil, aiming to take care of their lead on the high of the standings. Nonetheless, Lionel Messi’s surprising absence has dealt a major blow to Lionel Scaloni’s squad forward of those key fixtures.
Whereas Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup shouldn’t be in rapid hazard, pleasure had been constructing forward of the extremely anticipated conflict towards Brazil on dwelling soil — a sport the place followers have been desirous to see Messi in motion. Now, a last-minute setback has dominated the Argentine star out of the worldwide break fully.
The Argentine Soccer Affiliation confirmed Messi’s absence after they introduced the squad record on their official X account. In line with DSports Radio’s Nani Senra, the choice stems from an damage Messi sustained throughout Inter Miami’s latest MLS match towards Atlanta United.
On Sunday, Messi delivered a formidable efficiency, scoring a surprising aim and finishing the complete 90 minutes regardless of latest struggles with muscular fatigue. Nonetheless, as reported by ESPN Argentina, a post-match MRI revealed a minor adductor damage, in the end prompting Argentina’s medical workers to rule him out as a precaution.
This marks Messi’s first absence from the nationwide crew since September 2024, when he missed the World Cup Qualifier matches towards Chile and Colombia as a consequence of a ligament damage. With Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil within the coming days, Scaloni’s squad might want to adapt shortly with out their talisman.
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Lionel Messi unnoticed of the squad: How Argentina will adapt to enjoying with out him within the matches towards Uruguay and Brazil
Extra damage woes for Argentina
Including to Scaloni’s issues, Argentina has suffered one other setback with the absence of Paulo Dybala. The AS Roma ahead, thought of one among Messi’s pure replacements, underwent exams on Monday that exposed an damage to the semitendinosus tendon in his left thigh.
In consequence, Dybala is predicted to be sidelined for not less than a month, ruling him out of the World Cup Qualifiers towards Uruguay and Brazil — additional limiting Scaloni’s attacking choices in what may very well be a difficult worldwide window.
