Lionel Messi has weighed in on his exemption from Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifying squad this term, stating that although he feels disappointed, he believes the team to grab positive results.
Argentina take on Uruguay away from home on March 21 before facing Brazil in Buenos Aires at Estadio Momumental on March 26. Although fans around the world were keen on seeing the Inter Miami man feature for Argentina, reports on Monday indicated that Messi would not be joining La Albiceleste this international window due to discomfort.
READ ALSO: 2026 WCQ: Argentina to be without Messi due to injury
Messi has broken his silence on the situation, revealing that though it makes him ‘sad’, he’ll be confidently cheering and supporting Argentina from home.
“I’m sad to miss these important games against Uruguay and Brazil.I really wanted to play, but a small injury means I need to rest for a bit, so I can’t be there. I’ll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let’s go, Argentina”, he wrote on Instagram.
The absence of Messi could have a dire effect on the team, yet the new crop of players in the Argentina squad have shown they’ve definitely got enough quality to see out games without him.
READ ALSO: Will Argentina struggle without Lionel Messi in World Cup qualifiers?
Matches against Uruguay and Brazil now affords Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to test his squad’s strength and how potent they could look in the future after one of the world’s greatest players retires. Argentina are world champions but still have a lot to prove this year if they want to retain their title at the next Mondial.
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.
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