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

Argentina is on the verge of securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup as they lead the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings. However, they will have to navigate through a crucial period without the services of their star players Lionel Messi and Lautro Martinez. Messi, who is currently the top scorer in the World Cup qualifying campaign with six goals, sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami, ruling him out of the upcoming matches.

Despite the absence of Messi and Martinez, Argentina boasts a talented pool of attackers, with young talents like Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez ready to step up. However, facing a formidable Uruguay defense will put additional pressure on the Argentine attack, especially with Martinez unavailable as well.

Messi’s injury, although not serious, comes at a critical juncture in the qualifying campaign. The 37-year-old forward has been managing his workload carefully, having already been rested for three consecutive games. It is crucial for Argentina to prioritize Messi’s fitness and longevity, considering his importance for both Miami in the Club World Cup and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

While missing out on these matches may be a setback for Argentina, it is essential to ensure Messi’s long-term fitness and well-being. This period of absence will also provide an opportunity for the next generation of Argentine soccer players to gain valuable experience and step up in the absence of key players.

The predicted starting lineup for Argentina includes Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molenna, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, and Nicolas Gonzalez.

Fans can catch the action as Argentina takes on Uruguay on Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. The match will be available for live stream on Fanatiz, with odds favoring Uruguay at +165, a draw at +180, and Argentina at +205.

Overall, Argentina will need to rely on their depth and resilience to maintain their lead in the qualifying standings without their star players. It will be a challenging but crucial period for the team as they aim to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup. The world is constantly changing, and with those changes come new challenges and opportunities. In recent years, we have seen a shift towards more remote work and digital communication, as well as an increased focus on sustainability and environmental protection. These trends have not only impacted the way we live and work, but also the way we think about the future.

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