What's happened
Lionel Messi has been diagnosed with a low-grade adductor injury following Inter Miami's recent match against Atlanta United. The injury has led to his exclusion from Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. The timeline for his recovery remains uncertain as it depends on his response to treatment.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Messi's injury is classified as low-grade, which typically suggests a shorter recovery time, but the exact duration remains unclear.
- His absence from the Argentina squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil raises concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament.
Implications for Argentina
- Argentina leads the South American qualifying group and can secure a World Cup spot with strong performances in the upcoming matches.
- The team will miss not only Messi but also other key players like Paulo Dybala, which could impact their performance.
Future Outlook
- Messi's recovery will be closely monitored by both Inter Miami and the Argentine national team. His clinical progress will dictate his return to competitive play.
- The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing player health in high-stakes environments, especially for aging stars like Messi.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Inter Miami confirmed Messi's injury following an MRI, stating that his clinical progress will determine his availability. The NY Post noted that Messi felt discomfort during the match against Atlanta United, leading to his exclusion from Argentina's squad. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post emphasized the significance of Messi's absence for Argentina, who are currently leading the World Cup qualifying group. AP News corroborated the reports of Messi's injury but did not provide specific details on the nature of the injury.
How we got here
Messi's injury occurred during a match on March 17, 2025, where he scored a goal before experiencing discomfort. This follows a period of cautious management of his playing time due to previous injuries earlier in the season.
Go deeper
- What does a low-grade adductor injury mean?
- How will Argentina perform without Messi?
- What is the timeline for Messi's recovery?
Common question
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How Serious is Messi's Injury Ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers?
Lionel Messi's recent injury has raised concerns for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers. As fans and analysts speculate on the implications of his absence, many are left wondering how this will affect the team's performance and Messi's future with Inter Miami. Here are some common questions regarding Messi's injury and its impact.
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Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (lit. 'Miami International Football Club'), commonly referred to as Inter Miami, is an American professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of
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Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
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Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the
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Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in the southeastern region of South America. It borders Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and east, with the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean
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