Argentina National Team, Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
March 2025

Argentina booked their 2026 World Cup ticket with dominant wins over Uruguay and Brazil — both without Lionel Messi.
Despite Messi’s absence due to an adductor injury, Argentina handed Brazil a historic 4-1 defeat and edged Uruguay 1-0, securing qualification. Coach Lionel Scaloni urged patience regarding Messi’s decision to play in 2026: “Let’s not drive him crazy with this.” Teammates like Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo De Paul made it clear they hope the GOAT returns: “With Messi, we might have scored more,” Álvarez said. De Paul added: “Our best version is always when No. 10 is on the pitch.”