Messi to miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers

KATHMANDU: Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay.

The star forward has been excluded from the final squad for these crucial matches due to an injury sustained during his recent game with Inter Miami.

Messi reportedly suffered a muscle injury, which will prevent him from participating in the World Cup qualifiers.

In addition, Paulo Dybala has also been ruled out of the team for similar injury reasons.

Argentina is set to face Uruguay on March 22, followed by Brazil on March 26 at home. Currently, Argentina is leading the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 25 points from 12 matches, which include 8 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses.

Argentina’s Squad for World Cup Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Villarreal), Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven)

Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Germán Pezzella (Real Betis), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Juan Foyth (Villarreal), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Lens), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Máximo Perrone (Vélez Sarsfield), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Benjamin Domínguez (Bologna), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

Forwards: Nicolás González (Fiorentina), Nicolás Paz (Real Madrid), Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City), Julián Álvarez (Manchester City), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), Santiago Castro (Bologna), Ángel Correa (Atletico Madrid)