Argentina, the defending World Cup champion, can ensure qualification for next year's tournament in its two games in March.

Now, Fabrizio Romano reports that a "scan confirmed that Messi suffered from a small muscle injury in the adductor area and he won’t be available to play for Argentina." Messi h

Argentine star Lionel Messi sent a message to fans regarding his absence during the World Cup Qualifiers doubleheader against Brazil and Uruguay. Argentina was set for two highly anticipated matchups in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers—first against Uruguay and then a South American clásico showdown with Brazil.