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Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been left out of Argentina’s squad for their next two World Cup qualifiers.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 37-year-old returned to Miami’s starting line-up for their Major League Soccer win over Atlanta United but reportedly picked up an injury during Sunday’s game.<\/p>\n
Inter later confirmed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a “low-grade” injury to his adductor muscle.<\/p>\n
Messi was rested for three Miami games before coming off the bench and scoring in last week’s Concacaf Champions Cup win at Jamaican side Cavalier.<\/p>\n
Argentina can secure qualification for next year’s World Cup in this round of games as the holders visit Uruguay and host Brazil.<\/p>\n
They lead South America’s 10-team qualifying group by five points from Uruguay with six games remaining, with Brazil seven points adrift in fifth.<\/p>\n
The top six qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup while the seventh-placed team goes into a play-off.<\/p>\n
After 12 rounds, Messi is the top scorer with six goals, taking his overall tally to 112 from 191 international appearances.<\/p>\n
Argentina will also be without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel.<\/p>\n
Brazil will be without Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Neymar as a thigh injury has denied the Santos forward, 33, a return to the national team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n