Lionel Messi will be unavailable for Argentina in their upcoming crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to muscle discomfort.
The Inter Miami man remains a true asset for Lionel Scaloni’s side despite his age, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be missing out on the upcoming crucial qualifiers due to an overload.
In attack, Atletico Madrid’s Guiliano Simoene and the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez will be expected to lead the World champions who will be aiming to remain top of the qualification standings at the end of these important matches.
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In 191 official matches for La Albiceleste, Messi has netted 112 times and is the nation’s all-time top scorer over the legendary Gabriel Batistuta who held the record with (54) goals.
Though the absence of Messi could have an effect on the team, the new crop of players in the Argentina squad have shown they’ve definitely got enough quality to see out games without him.
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On March 21, Argentina will take on Uruguay away from home before facing Brazil in Buenos Aires at Estadio Momumental on March 26.