Messi excluded from Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano clarified that Messi was rested as a precautionary measure and not due to an injury.
Lionel Messi will not be part of Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay this month, as he was omitted from the final squad announced on Monday.
The 37-year-old was initially named in Argentina’s 33-man preliminary roster on March 2, despite concerns over his fitness. Messi had missed three matches for Inter Miami due to load management, sitting out to prevent potential injury.
Following a busy start to the 2025 MLS season—with three games in seven days—Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano clarified that Messi’s absence was a precautionary measure rather than the result of an injury.
“Messi didn’t sustain an injury; we simply managed his workload to prevent any issues,” Mascherano explained. “Fortunately, we were able to control it, and it didn’t escalate into anything serious. He’s in better condition now, so we’ve begun reintegrating him into the squad. There’s no mystery behind it.”
Messi made his return against Jamaican club Cavalier FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 and later played the full 90 minutes against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, increasing speculation about his inclusion in Argentina’s final squad.
Mascherano also mentioned that Inter Miami’s medical team had been in regular communication with Argentina’s national team doctors to monitor Messi’s progress and coordinate his recovery.
“The national team’s doctors are in constant contact with our medical staff,” Mascherano said. “I haven’t personally spoken with Argentina’s coaching staff, but if they need anything, I’m available. However, I don’t believe it’s necessary since the medical teams are already in touch.”
With Messi absent, Argentina will take on Brazil and Uruguay in World Cup qualifiers on March 21 and 25. He is expected to return for Inter Miami on March 29 against the Philadelphia Union in an MLS regular-season fixture.
La Albiceleste currently lead the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 25 points from 12 matches.
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