Double Trouble for Argentina: Messi Out, Star Striker Also Withdraws From FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez are sidelined through injury as Argentina readies to take on Uruguay and Brazil in World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Argentina suffers double blow as Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez are both withdrawn from FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Get the latest team news and fixtures updates.
March 20, 2025
In a huge setback to the World Cup hopes of Argentina, the current champions will miss two of their biggest stars as they play key qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Coming on the heels of the previous announcement that Lionel Messi would not be available, it was now announced that star forward Lautaro Martinez would also be out of action for the forthcoming matches due to a hamstring injury.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) revealed on Wednesday that Martinez, who recently featured for Inter Milan, sustained a left hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined. The 27-year-old had initially returned to action after muscle soreness, scoring in Inter’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Atalanta, but medical assessments with the national team confirmed the setback.
Growing Injury Concerns for Scaloni’s Squad
Martinez’s injury adds to an expanding list of absentees, including captain Lionel Messi, who is nursing a muscle issue reportedly linked to a sore left thigh suffered during Inter Miami’s recent MLS match against Atlanta United. Additionally, Argentina will be missing Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, and Paulo Dybala, all ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Despite the setbacks, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points from 12 games. However, they now face a daunting challenge as they prepare to take on second-placed Uruguay on Friday, followed by a crucial away fixture against arch-rivals Brazil four days later.
Coach Scaloni’s Balancing Act
Head coach Lionel Scaloni will have his job cut out to reorganize his lineup and keep the momentum going without his main attacking pillars. Fans and pundits alike are eagerly waiting to see how Argentina responds to the double blow.
