Lionel Messi Excluded from Argentina’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
In a surprising turn of events, football legend Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina's national team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay. The decision comes as a shock to fans and analysts alike, given Messi's pivotal role in the team's recent successes.
Coach Lionel Scaloni announced the squad, explaining that the decision to omit Messi was due to the star's ongoing recovery from a muscle injury. Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, has been sidelined since the last international break, raising concerns about his fitness and readiness for these critical matches.
Despite Messi's absence, the Argentine team remains strong, with players like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez stepping up to lead the attack. The matches against Brazil and Uruguay are crucial for Argentina as they aim to secure a favorable position in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Fans and pundits will be keenly watching to see how the team performs without their talismanic captain, and whether Messi's absence will impact their chances in the qualifiers.
