Lionel Messi has not been named in Argentina's squad for the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain. 

Messi was named to the initial 33-player roster despite concerns over his physical status, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner having missed three matches for Inter Miami due to load management. 

He returned to action against Cavalier FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 series, before returning to MLS action on Sunday. 

Messi scored upon his return for Miami in its 2-1 win over Atlanta United - his first league goal of the season - with a brilliant dinked finish over Brad Guzan. 

He had been expected to make the latest squad after playing a full 90 minutes against Atlanta, but he did not make the cut. 

Argentina boasts a five-point lead at the summit of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, and travels to second-placed Uruguay on Saturday. 

The Albiceleste then take on Brazil, fifth in the table, on 25 March, the Selecao without Neymar, who was expected to return to the national side but has pulled out with injury.