World champions will face Uruguay on March 21, and Brazil on March 25 without their influential captain.
Lionel Messi will miss the qualifying games of Argentina for FIFA World Cup 2026. After suffered by the groin to Inter Miami win Over the weekend, his club confirmed.
Inter Miami said in a statement on Monday that Skaning had revealed that Messi had suffered a “low-level injury to the Adductor muscle” in a 2-1 victory on Sunday. The statement did not give a schedule for Messi’s return.
“His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability of competition,” Inter said.
After missing three games for Inter this month, the 37-year-old returned a goal from the bench in the concof Champions Cup win.
On Friday, Messi was omitted by the Argentine team for the conflict of the world champions against Uruguay, followed by a showdown with Brazil on March 25.
Argentina can provide a qualification for the next year’s tournament in the next two games.
They run 10 teams of South America qualifying groups for five points ahead of the match with Uruguay in Montevide.
The top six teams qualified directly for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer in a six -goal competition.
Argentina are also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybal and River Plate Fullback Paul Montiel.
Brazil will be without 33-year-old Neymar, who sustained a thigh injury and had to delay his return to the national team. Brazil are fifth, seven points behind Argentina.
