Lionel Messi confirmed he’ll sit out of the Argentina men’s national football team’s upcoming double header. Argentina is set to face Uruguay away at Montevideo on March 21 and then Brazil on March 25, in Buenos Aires City, two key games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s a shame to miss two very special games with the national team,” Messi wrote in an Instagram story, confirming his absence. “I wanted to play, as always, but I am being  forced to rest due to an injury in my last game. I’ll be cheering on the team from here like another fan.”

Messi has struggled with fitness issues in early 2025, much like he did at the start of 2024. After missing three games with Inter Miami due to muscle problems, he returned to action against Jamaica’s Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions League. He was subbed on in the 53rd minute and scored the 2-0 in the 92nd.

Last Sunday, he started his first game since February when the Herons faced Atlanta United. Following a shot early in the second half, however, the Qatar 2022 winner signalled to the coaching staff he was feeling discomfort. Messi stayed on the pitch until the final whistle, but played a restrained game.

On Monday, Inter confirmed the extent of the injury after Messi underwent an MRI.

“The test results confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury to the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability to compete,” the club said in a statement.

Messi’s national team teammates spoke of his absence after arriving in the country to practice at the Argentine Football Association’s grounds.

“I heard it as I was boarding the plane,” said forward Nicolás González, from Juventus. “It’s a hard blow. You think what everyone thinks: ‘Leo isn’t here, now what?’ We’ve had to manage without him before, but with the games that are coming it is great to play with him and watch what he does, so it hurts a bit.”