Dhaka, Mar 18 (V7N) – Lionel Messi, the legendary 37-year-old forward, will miss Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor muscle strain. The star player, who plays for Inter Miami, was left out of the squad for these crucial matches.

Messi suffered the injury while playing for Inter Miami in a match against Atlanta United on Sunday. Despite having been rested for Argentina’s previous three matches due to injury, Messi made a remarkable return as a substitute, scoring a goal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against the Jamaican club Cavaliers.

In an emotional message posted on Instagram, Messi expressed his disappointment, saying, "It's sad not to be able to play in two such important matches. I always want to be there, but I have to take a break due to injury. However, I will encourage the team as a fan."

Argentina, currently sitting at the top of the points table in the World Cup qualifiers, is five points ahead of Uruguay and seven ahead of Brazil. A win in these two matches would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Besides Messi, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel are also missing from the squad. Similarly, Brazil will be without Neymar, who is sidelined with a thigh injury.

END/RH/AJ