Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor muscle injury.
The 37-year-old was not included in the 25-man squad announced on Monday by coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi was included in the initial 33-man squad on March 2, despite concerns over his physical status.
Messi featured in Inter Miami’s MLS win over Atlanta United on Sunday, scoring in the 20th minute and playing the full 90 minutes of the match despite picking up an injury.
Messi returned for the game against Jamaican club Cavalier FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup round-of-16 series.
The coach later revealed that Inter Miami doctors were in constant communication with the Argentina national team medical staff to stay informed on Messi’s status and be able to plan accordingly.
