Lionel Messi Ruled Out of Argentina Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay and Brazil

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's squad for the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain sustained during his recent match with Inter Miami.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed his absence alongside that of Paulo Dybala, who also misses out through injury.

Squad Announcement

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has called up 26 players to compete in the crucial qualifiers as Argentina looks to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup. While Messi’s absence is a significant blow, the squad includes key players like Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, who are expected to play pivotal roles.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)

Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille)

Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven)

Defenders:

Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)

Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)

Germán Pezzella (River Plate)

Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille)

Juan Foyth (Villarreal)

Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)

Facundo Medina (Lens)

Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders:

Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid)

Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis)

Nicolás Paz (Real Madrid)

Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

Máximo Perrone (Manchester City)

Forwards:

Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

Julián Álvarez (Manchester City)

Ángel Correa (Atlético Madrid)

Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)

Nicolás González (Fiorentina)

Lucas Ocampos (Sevilla)

Giovanni Simeone (Napoli)

Notable Absences

Aside from Messi and Dybala, other key players missing from the squad include Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martínez, Enzo Barrenechea, Giovani Lo Celso, and Gonzalo Montiel. Meanwhile, Juan Foyth returns to the team, and emerging talents such as Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, and Máximo Perrone have been included.

Upcoming Fixtures

Argentina will face Uruguay on March 21 before taking on Brazil on March 25, as they aim to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.