Lionel Messi out of Argentina squad as MRI reveals injury

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay this month. The Argentine had undergone an MRI on Monday after feeling discomfort in his adductor during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United FC, Inter Miami revealed.

“Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United,” Miami said in a statement. “The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.”

Messi also posted a statement on Instagram that said: “It’s a shame to miss these special games with the Argentinian national team against Brazil and Uruguay. Like always, I wanted to be there but at the last minute an injury that isn’t that important forced me to stop for a while before returning to play kept me out. But I will be supporting and cheering from here like a fan. Let’s go Argentina!”

Messi was named in Argentina’s 33-man squad on March 2. La Pulga also missed three games for Inter Miami due to load management. On Thursday, he made a substitute appearance in a Concacaf Champions Cup win over Cavalier FC.

“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,” Inter Miami head coach Mascherano said ahead of Sunday’s match.

The coach said that Argentina’s medical staff is in contact with Inter Miami’s medical team regarding Messi’s workload.

“Obviously the Argentinian 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.”

La Albiceleste will play World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25.