
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. Messi seemed poised to lead the group yet again, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner pulled out from the squad after suffering a minor muscle injury in Inter Miami's 2–1 victory over Atlanta United.