Argentina is on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, currently leading the Conmebol qualifiers. However, they will have to continue their campaign without two key players, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez. Messi, who is the top scorer in the qualifiers with six goals, sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami and will be unavailable for the match against Uruguay.
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina has a wealth of attacking talent, including the promising young player Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez, who is in excellent form for Atletico Madrid. Facing a strong Uruguay defense will present a significant challenge for the Argentine attack, especially with Martinez also sidelined.
Messi’s injury occurred during a game against Atlanta United. Although it is not considered serious, and he has already been rested in previous games for load management, it is deemed too risky to rush his return given Argentina’s comfortable four-point lead in the qualifying standings. At 37 years old, prioritizing Messi’s fitness is crucial to ensure he can contribute to both Inter Miami in the Club World Cup and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
Missing these qualifying matches is a precautionary measure to ensure Messi’s long-term fitness and provides an opportunity for the development of Argentina’s next generation of football players.
Argentina Predicted Starting XI
Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molenna, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, March 21
- Location: Estadio Centenario — Montevideo, Uruguay
- Live stream: Fanatiz
- Odds: Uruguay +165; Draw +180; Argentina +205
