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Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni received some bad news on Sunday evening—Lionel Messi will be unavailable for two of the Albiceleste’s biggest World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil this week.
The 37-year-old Inter Miami star suffered an adductor injury the night before the squad announcement, ruling him out of these crucial matches. While the club has downplayed the severity of the injury, his absence is a significant blow for the reigning world champions. Argentina currently sits atop the qualifying standings with a five-point lead over Uruguay, and these two fixtures could either solidify their dominance or put their position in jeopardy.
Was Messi’s injury preventable?
Messi’s latest setback has raised serious concerns about how Inter Miami has managed his workload. Despite his age, the club has pushed him hard early in the season, making questionable decisions regarding his playing time.
To start the year, Messi played nearly 90 minutes in three consecutive matches over seven days, including a game against Sporting KC that was postponed due to weather. Then, after being rested against the Houston Dynamo, he also missed a home match in continental play against Cavalier FC. However, instead of easing him back into action, Inter Miami made a baffling decision—they flew Messi to Jamaica for a second-leg match against Cavalier, despite already holding a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead. He played 37 minutes on a poor pitch in what was essentially a meaningless appearance.
Just days later, Messi played the full 90 minutes in a heated MLS matchup against Atlanta United. It was during this match that he reportedly tweaked his thigh while taking a shot in the 63rd minute but still continued playing. Given his previous injury history and the intensity of Inter Miami’s early-season schedule, many are questioning why the club didn’t handle his fitness with more caution.
Impact on Argentina and Inter Miami
Now, Argentina will have to navigate two of the toughest matches in CONMEBOL qualifying without their captain. Meanwhile, Inter Miami might find themselves in an even bigger predicament. With the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against LAFC coming up on April 2, Messi’s availability for that fixture is in serious doubt.
This situation could have been avoided had Inter Miami managed Messi’s workload more carefully. Instead, their short-term decisions may have cost them dearly, with both club and country now dealing with the consequences.