Lionel Messi Injury World Cup Qualifiers: There will be no Messi vs Neymar in 2025

Lionel Messi Injury World Cup Qualifiers, Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will miss Argentina’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay due to a low-grade adductor injury. The injury, sustained during a match with his club Inter Miami against Atlanta United on March 16, 2025, has sparked widespread concern about his fitness as Argentina aims to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With these matches pivotal to Argentina’s qualification campaign, Messi’s absence could significantly impact the team’s performance and strategy. This article delves into the details of Messi’s injury, its implications for Argentina, and what it means for his club and country moving forward.

Lionel Messi Injury World Cup Qualifiers, Details of Lionel Messi’s Adductor Injury

Inter Miami confirmed Messi’s injury following an MRI scan conducted after their 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. The club’s statement revealed that Messi experienced discomfort in his adductor region during the match. The MRI confirmed a low-grade adductor injury, a relatively minor muscle strain that nonetheless requires rest and careful rehabilitation to prevent worsening. Inter Miami noted, “His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.”

The injury occurred during a match where Messi scored a stunning chipped goal in the 20th minute—his first MLS goal of the 2025 season. However, shortly after, he reportedly felt discomfort. Despite the pain, Messi played the full 90 minutes, a decision that has raised questions about player management. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano defended the choice post-match, saying, “Leo felt some discomfort, but we decided to keep him on as the game was tight. We’ll assess him tomorrow.” Critics argue that this may have aggravated the injury, especially given Messi’s age (37) and recent injury history.

Importance of the World Cup Qualifiers for Argentina

Argentina currently leads the South American World Cup qualifiers standings with 25 points after 12 matches. The upcoming fixtures against Uruguay (second with 20 points) and Brazil (fifth with 18 points) are critical. A win against Uruguay on Friday in Montevideo would extend Argentina’s lead, while a victory over Brazil four days later at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires could all but secure their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The South American qualifiers are notoriously competitive, with only the top four teams earning automatic qualification and the fifth entering a playoff.

Messi’s absence complicates Argentina’s prospects. As the team’s captain and talisman—who led them to the 2022 World Cup title—his influence on and off the pitch is unparalleled. Without him, Argentina faces a formidable challenge against two of the region’s strongest teams.

Messi’s Recent Form and Injury History

At almost 38, Messi remains a global superstar, but his 2025 season with Inter Miami has been marred by injuries. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as his goal against Atlanta United, he has missed multiple games due to fitness concerns. Earlier this season, Messi sat out three consecutive MLS matches after the opener, returning briefly for a CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier SC on March 13, 2025. Playing a full game so soon before the Atlanta United match may have contributed to his current Lionel Messi injury World Cup qualifiers setback.

Inter Miami has taken a cautious approach to Messi’s workload, with Mascherano often resting him to prevent long-term damage. This season alone, Messi has been sidelined several times, a pattern that echoes past injury struggles during his career with Barcelona, PSG, and Argentina. From hamstring issues in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers to groin injuries in recent years, Messi’s fitness has been a recurring concern as he navigates the latter stages of his illustrious career.

How Argentina Will Adapt Without Messi

Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, is no stranger to managing without Messi, having navigated previous absences due to injuries or suspensions. Scaloni typically shifts to a collective approach, relying on teamwork rather than individual brilliance. However, the Lionel Messi injury World Cup qualifiers blow is compounded by other absences. Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovani Lo Celso are also ruled out, while young stars Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri were dropped from the initial squad announced on March 2.

In attack, Scaloni may turn to Lautaro Martínez, who has been in scintillating form for Inter Milan, to lead the line. Other options include Ángel Correa and Nicolás González, who could inject creativity and pace. The midfield, anchored by Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, will be crucial in maintaining control against Uruguay’s Luis Suárez and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior. Defensively, the absence of Montiel puts pressure on Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero to neutralize the opposition’s attacking threats.

Implications for Inter Miami

For Inter Miami, Messi’s injury comes at a pivotal moment. The team is competing in the MLS and has an upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal against LAFC on April 2, 2025. As the reigning Major League Soccer MVP, Messi’s presence is vital to their ambitions in both competitions. His uncertain availability forces the club to balance short-term performance with long-term health, especially with a packed schedule ahead.

Fan reactions on social media have been a mix of concern and frustration, with many wishing Messi a speedy recovery while others question Inter Miami’s handling of their star player. The injury also reignites debates about Messi’s workload as he juggles club and international duties.

The Broader Context of South American Qualifiers

The South American World Cup qualifiers are a grueling test of endurance and talent. With 18 matches total, Argentina has six games remaining after the upcoming Brazil and Uruguay clashes. Their current standing—25 points—positions them well, but the margin for error is slim. Here’s a hypothetical snapshot of the standings as of March 17, 2025, based on the article’s data:

• Argentina: 25 points
• Uruguay: 20 points
• Colombia: 19 points (assumed)
• Paraguay: 18 points (assumed)
• Brazil: 18 points
• Chile: 15 points (assumed)
• Ecuador: 14 points (assumed)
• Peru: 12 points (assumed)
• Bolivia: 10 points (assumed)
• Venezuela: 8 points (assumed)

These matches could determine whether Argentina locks in qualification early or faces a tense finish.

Conclusion

The Lionel Messi injury World Cup qualifiers news is a significant setback for Argentina as they face Brazil and Uruguay in their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the injury is not severe, it underscores the fragility of Messi’s fitness at this stage of his career. For Argentina, the focus shifts to squad depth and tactical adaptability under Scaloni’s guidance. Fans worldwide hope for a swift recovery, but for now, the football world watches anxiously as one of its greatest players rests on the sidelines. Whether this absence derails Argentina’s campaign or galvanizes their resolve remains to be seen.

🚨❌ BREAKING: Leo Messi won’t be part of Argentina squad for the upcoming games due to discomfort. pic.twitter.com/5sGSqYcVAX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the nature of Lionel Messi’s injury?
   Messi suffered a low-grade adductor injury during a match with Inter Miami against Atlanta United, confirmed by an MRI scan.
2. How long will Messi be out due to his injury?
   While no exact timeline has been provided, low-grade muscle injuries typically require 2–4 weeks of rest and rehabilitation, depending on treatment progress.
3. How will Argentina cope without Messi in the World Cup qualifiers?
   Coach Lionel Scaloni will rely on players like Lautaro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolás González, emphasizing teamwork over individual brilliance.
4. Has Messi missed important matches due to injury before?
   Yes, Messi has faced multiple injury setbacks, including missing parts of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and various club matches due to hamstring and groin issues.
5. What is Argentina’s current standing in the World Cup qualifiers?
   Argentina leads the South American standings with 25 points after 12 matches, ahead of Uruguay (20 points) and Brazil (18 points).