Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after suffering a groin strain in Inter Miami’s victory over Atlanta at the weekend, his club has confirmed. Inter Miami said in a statement on Monday that a scan had revealed Messi suffered a “low-grade injury in the adductor muscle” in the 2-1 win on Sunday.

An unexpected injury to Lionel Messi leaves Lionel Scaloni and Argentina scrambling to replace their best player ahead of matches against Uruguay and Brazil. After a three-month hiatus, Argentina are back in action during the March international break to resume their CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi's injury occurred during Inter Miami's win over Atlanta United in the Major League Soccer. Argentina will play Brazil and Uruguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.