Messi Ruled Out of Argentina’s Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Uruguay and Brazil Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil after being left out of the squad due to injury. The 37-year-old forward, who recently returned to Miami’s starting XI for their MLS victory over Atlanta United, sustained a minor adductor muscle injury during Sunday’s match. Inter Miami later confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has a "low-grade" strain, ruling him out of the crucial international fixtures. Messi had previously been rested for three games before making an impact as a substitute in last week's Concacaf Champions Cup win over Jamaican side Cavalier, where he scored after coming off the bench. However, his latest setback means he will have to watch Argentina's World Cup qualifiers from the sidelines. The legendary forward expressed his disappointment via Instagram, stating: “It’s a shame to miss two such special qualification games. I wanted to be there as always, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again. But I'll be supporting and cheering from here like a fan.” Argentina, the reigning world champions, currently lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with a five-point cushion over Uruguay and a seven-point lead over fifth-placed Brazil. With six matches remaining, they have a strong chance to secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Messi, the top scorer of the qualifiers so far with six goals, has now increased his international tally to 112 goals in 191 appearances. Argentina will also be without Roma forward Paulo Dybala and River Plate full-back Gonzalo Montiel, both sidelined due to injuries. Meanwhile, Brazil will be missing Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Neymar, who has been ruled out with a thigh injury. With Argentina set to face Uruguay and Brazil in high-stakes encounters, Messi's absence will be a significant blow to Lionel Scaloni’s squad as they aim to maintain their dominant position in the qualifiers.