Messi to Miss Key South American Clashes
Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the captain was left out of the squad due to a muscle injury in his left adductor.
The Inter Miami star picked up the injury during his team’s recent victory over Atlanta United, preventing him from joining the national team for the crucial matches. Additionally, Scaloni will also be without Paulo Dybala, Giovani Lo Celso, and Gonzalo Montiel, who are all sidelined due to injuries.
Changes in the Call-Up List
Scaloni made further adjustments by leaving out Francisco Ortega, Claudio Echeverri, and Alejandro Garnacho for tactical reasons. Despite speculation about more local league call-ups, only Germán Pezzella from River Plate made the squad.
Argentina will face Uruguay on March 21 in Montevideo and Brazil on March 25 in Buenos Aires. Currently leading the table with 25 points, the Albiceleste aims to strengthen its position in the qualifiers.
