The Argentina National Team is without the legendary Lionel Messi, after his absence was confirmed before the group reported to Lionel Scaloni to face what for many is one of the most complicated days in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the world champion team.

Why is Messi not playing for Argentina?

The Inter Miami player was not included in the 26-man Albiceleste roster because he is suffering from a muscle injury in his left adductor that he sustained during the match against Atlanta United in the last MLS matchday.

Who else will not play for Argentina?

In addition to the absence of the number “10”, Scaloni also ruled out Paulo Dybala (Roma), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis) and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate) due to injury.+

In addition to these absences, Scaloni disqualified Francisco Ortega (Olympiakos), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City) and Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) due to tactical-technical issues; in addition, Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) was also recently dismissed.

Uruguay vs. Argentina without Messi and Suárez

On October 9, 2004, Argentina defeated Uruguay 4-2 in a match on the road to the World Cup in Germany. On that day, one of the Albiceleste's substitutes was their current coach, Lionel Scaloni.

Twenty years and five months have passed since that moment, when neither Luis Suárez nor Lionel Messi took part in the South American encounter, and 14 Clasicos out of the 195 that have been played throughout history have also passed.

Messi and Suárez faced each other nine times, while only “La Pulga” played in three and La Celeste's all-time leading scorer in two.

During these two rounds of the Qualifying Round for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina's national team could qualify if it achieves a full house of victories, something that for many looks very complicated.