Where’s Lionel Messi? Why the Argentina and Inter Miami star isn’t playing vs. Uruguay in World Cup qualifying

Argentina may be close to beating their ticket for the World Cup 2026, which leads to the qualification of Conmebol World Cup, but they will have to pick up points without Lionel Messi and Lautro Martinez to do that. Messi is currently the most important scorer in the World Cup who has so far qualified this campaign with six goals, but after he had picked up a hamstring injury for Inter Miami, he will not be available.

Argentina has no shortage of attackers with the young Nico Paz who appears in the team and Julian Alvarez in top form for Atletico Madrid Maar confronted with a strong Uruguay defenseMore pressure will be on the attack, especially with Martinez that is not available.

Messi sustained his injury in a victory over Atlanta United and although it is not a serious injury after it is already equipped for three consecutive games because of load management, it is not the time to push him too hard when Argentina has a four -point lead on top of the qualifying table. Because it is already 37, it is important to ensure that care is spent on Messi’s minutes, so that he can both play for Miami during the club World Cup and have sufficient lifespan to contribute to Argentina in 2026.

Missing these matches will ensure that Messi is suitable for the long term, while he also helps to grow the next generation of Argentinian football players.

Argentina predicted XI

Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molenna, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez

How to look and opportunities

• Date: Thursday, March 21 | Time7:30 pm and
• Location: Centenario Stadium – Montevideo, Urugay
• Live stream: Fanatiz
• Chances: Uruguay +165; Drawing +180; Argentina +205