Uruguay vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

Lionel Messi has been dropped from the Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers encounters against Uruguay and Brazil during the March international break.

Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on March 17th, excluding the World Cup-winning captain., sparking debates among the Albiceleste fans.

However, reports suggested that Messi might have sustained an injury during the Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami, making it impossible for him to attend the national fixture.

Sportz Point breaks down why Lionel Messi will not play against Uruguay and later against Brazil.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle during Inter Miami's MLS encounter against Atalanta United on March 16th, Sunday. 

🚨⚠️ Understand Leo Messi completed a scan in the morning after the game vs Atlanta United last night.

The scan confirmed that Messi suffered from a small muscle injury in the adductor area and he won’t be available to play for Argentina. pic.twitter.com/x7v6kAukyv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025

Although Lionel Messi opened the scoring and led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory, it has been revealed that he has suffered an injury that might keep him out of international duties.

Inter Miami issued an official statement on March 18th, stating Messi's injury updates. The statement reads:

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.

Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United.

The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.

The Argentina captain himself posted a story on Instagram which contains a photo of him in the national shirt, and he conveyed his disappointment in a short statement.

It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again left me out. From here, I'll be cheering and supporting you like any other fan. Go Argentina!

These statements confirm that he's not expected to be sidelined for long but will miss the upcoming matches with Uruguay on March 22nd and Brazil on March 26th.

✍️ Lionel Messi makes his own statement on the injury via his Instagram account:

Noteworthy is him saying that the injury is “not significant” but that it will force him to stop playing “for a time.”#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/LtraelUO7G

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) March 17, 2025

When will Messi return to play Argentina?

However, Messi will have to wait until before donning the national crest again. In the June international break, when Argentina will travel to play against Chile on June 4th and will take on Colombia on June 9th.