2026 WCQ: Lionel Messi Dropped from Argentina Squad for Brazil, Uruguay Clashes

Injury Concerns and Load Management Keep 37-Year-Old Star Out of Key Fixtures

Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign will continue without Lionel Messi, as the 37-year-old football icon has been left out of the squad for the upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay.

The final roster was released on Monday, confirming Messi’s absence, despite his initial inclusion in the preliminary 33-man squad announced on March 2.

Messi’s omission from the squad comes as a major surprise to many fans, considering that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently returned to full match action for his club, Inter Miami, in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and the MLS.

As one of Argentina’s most influential players of all time, his absence raises several questions:

• Is Messi’s fitness a bigger concern than initially reported?
• Is Argentina preparing for a future without him?
• Can the team handle tough opponents like Brazil and Uruguay without their talisman?

Messi’s Fitness Concerns and Inter Miami’s Load Management

Messi’s recent injury troubles have been a topic of discussion among football analysts and fans alike.

In recent weeks, the Inter Miami captain missed three matches for his club due to what was described as “load management”—a term used to describe planned rest periods to prevent injuries and optimize player performance.

However, despite these concerns, Messi returned to action in the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 second leg against Jamaican side Cavalier FC, helping his team advance to the next round.

He then followed up with a full 90-minute performance in Inter Miami’s MLS clash against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

Given his return to full match action, many had expected him to be included in Argentina’s final squad, making his exclusion all the more puzzling.

Medical Staff Played a Key Role in Decision

Argentina’s coaching staff has been closely monitoring Messi’s fitness status, and it has now been revealed that medical personnel from the national team were in constant communication with Inter Miami’s doctors before making their final decision.

This suggests that Messi’s omission may not necessarily be due to a serious injury, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure that he does not risk aggravating any potential issues.

At 37 years old, Messi is entering the final stages of his legendary career, and Argentina’s coaching staff may be looking at managing his minutes carefully to ensure he remains fit for the Copa América 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Argentina’s Squad Without Messi: Who Will Step Up?

With Messi out of the squad, head coach Lionel Scaloni will need to rely on other key players to lead the team in these crucial qualifiers.

Argentina will face two major opponents:

• Argentina vs. Uruguay (Home) – A tough test against their South American rivals.
• Brazil vs. Argentina (Away) – A high-stakes Superclásico against their biggest footballing rivals.

Without Messi, who will step up?

✅ Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – Argentina’s likely main attacking threat.
✅ Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) – One of the most in-form forwards in Europe.
✅ Ángel Di María (Benfica) – A veteran leader who still delivers in big moments.
✅ Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – The creative force in midfield.

While Messi has been the heart and soul of Argentina’s attack, the team has plenty of quality players who can fill the void and prove their worth in his absence.

What Does This Mean for Messi’s International Future?

Messi’s international career has been nothing short of legendary, but with the Copa América 2025 approaching, his absence in these qualifiers could indicate a new approach to his role in the squad.

Some possible scenarios include:

1️⃣ Strategic Rest for Future Tournaments – Scaloni and his staff might be saving Messi’s energy for major tournaments like the Copa América and the 2026 World Cup, rather than having him play every qualifier.

2️⃣ Gradual Transition to Retirement – While Messi has not announced retirement, Argentina could be preparing for life without him, allowing younger players to take on bigger roles.

3️⃣ Concerns Over His Fitness – Despite playing a full 90 minutes for Inter Miami, Argentina’s medical team may have detected issues that warrant a cautious approach.

If Messi’s absence extends beyond these two matches, it could signal a larger shift in Argentina’s squad planning.

Read also: “Marcelo’s Messi Confession: ‘He Made a Fool of Me, I Wanted to Hit Him’”

Can Argentina Win Without Messi?

Argentina has relied heavily on Messi’s brilliance for nearly two decades, but the team has proven its ability to succeed without him in the past.

In recent years, the World Cup-winning squad has developed a strong team chemistry, with multiple players stepping up when needed.

🔹 Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with contributions from multiple players, even though Messi was the leader.
🔹 Young stars like Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister have emerged as key figures for the team.
🔹 Scaloni’s tactical flexibility has allowed Argentina to adapt even when Messi isn’t on the pitch.

While Brazil and Uruguay will pose tough challenges, Argentina has enough talent to remain competitive and collect valuable points in the qualifiers.

When Will Messi Return to International Duty?

With Messi missing these two key qualifiers, the next possible opportunity for his return would be in June 2025, when Argentina will play pre-Copa América friendlies.

If he remains absent for those matches, it could further fuel speculation about his long-term future with the national team.

For now, fans will have to wait and see whether this is just a short-term rest period or a sign of a larger transition in Argentina’s squad.

Final Thoughts: A Planned Absence or Cause for Concern?

Messi’s exclusion from Argentina’s squad may be a strategic decision rather than a major injury concern.

However, with Argentina facing tough opponents like Brazil and Uruguay, his absence will test the squad’s depth and resilience.

For now, all eyes will be on Scaloni’s lineup to see how the team performs without its captain—and whether Messi will return for future international duty.