An unexpected injury to Lionel Messi leaves Lionel Scaloni and Argentina scrambling to replace their best player ahead of matches against Uruguay and Brazil. After a three-month hiatus, Argentina are back in action during the March international break to resume their CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

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