Lionel Messi ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Messi scored a brilliant chipped effort as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 2-1 in Major League Soccer on Sunday, but has struggled with fitness issues during the opening weeks of the new campaign.

Ahead of that clash, head coach Javier Mascherano defended his use of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“There were some voices saying that we were taking a risk, but we had it planned. The idea was that he play 30-35 minutes in Jamaica (against Cavaliers) to have good feelings again. In the end, we were able to find the time to do it well,” Mascherano said.

“We tried to take away from the overload Messi had, so that it wouldn’t go further than that. We tried to handle it in the best way. Luckily, we were able to control it and that it didn’t turn into an injury or much more. Today he’s better and we decided to start giving him minutes. There’s no secret in this.

“Obviously the [Argentina national team] doctors are in contact with the doctors here and they are the ones who specifically talk about that. I haven’t spoken with the coaching staff, but if they have any consultation, I will talk to them. I don’t think it will be necessary because the doctors are in contact all time.”

However, Messi will now miss March’s fixtures with the national team due to ‘discomfort’. It’s a huge blow to the world champions, who lead the South American World Cup qualification standings ahead of clashes with second-placed Uruguay and arch-rivals Brazil.

Argentina have named their squad for the games and there’s no place for Messi in the 26-player group.

Read – Iconic Performances: Messi lights up El Clasico with his first ever hat-trick

See more – Six potential debutants during the international break

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