Inter Miami said Lionel Messi had to have a MRI scan after feeling muscle discomfort in the 2-1 win over Atlanta United FC on Monday (17.3). Therefore, he will not be able to join Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America against Brazil and Uruguay this month.
Miami said in a statement: "Messi took a MRI this morning to assess the severity of the tendon discomfort, a condition he experienced against Atlanta United. The test results confirmed a minor injury to the joint".
Messi also announced on his personal Instagram: "It's a pity that I couldn't participate in the team's two key matches against Uruguay and Brazil. I always want to fight with the whole team, but an injury at the last minute has forced me to take a break and be absent this time."
The 37-year-old was named in Argentina's preliminary list of 33 players on March 2, despite concerns about his physical condition. Messi missed three Inter Miami games before returning in the match against Cavalier FC in midweek.
Due to injury, unfortunately Messi did not make it to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay on March 22 and Brazil on March 26. He is expected to return when Miami face Philadelphia Union on March 30 in MLS.
It is known that Inter Miami doctors regularly stay in touch with the Argentina national team's medical team to grasp Messi's situation and make appropriate plans.
Currently, La Albiceleste is leading the South American World Cup qualifiers with 25 points after 12 matches. In total, there are 6 places to go straight to the final round and 1 place to the intercontinental play-off round.
