Aregentina star, Lionel Messi has left off Argentina roster for upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil
The world Cup winner played 90 minutes for Inter Miami during the weekend but will not travel for Argentina during the March international football
Lionel Messi was not included on Argentina’s final roster for the upcoming March CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay, which was announced on Monday.
He previously missed three straight matches due to “load management” and made his return to the club off the bench in a substitute cameo against Cavalier SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Now, though, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will not compete for his nation this March and no reason was given for his absence.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has been adamant during the opening stages of the MLS season that the Argentine has not been injured, but that the team has been exercising caution.
“We tried to take away from the overload Messi had, so that it wouldn’t go further than that. We tried to handle it in the best way. Luckily, we were able to control it and that it didn’t turn into an injury or much more… There’s no secret in this,” Mascherano said ahead of Sunday’s match against Atlanta.
The Herons manager added that throughout the start of the MLS season, Inter Miami has been in touch with Argentina’s camp and the national team medical staff regarding his status.
“Obviously the Argentinian natio1111nal team doctors are in contact with the doctors here and they are the ones who specifically talk about that,” he said. “I haven’t spoken with the coaching staff, but if they have any consultation, I will talk to them. I don’t think it will be necessary because the doctors are in contact all time.”
Initially named to the 33-man provisional roster, Messi will not compete for La Albiceleste this month.
Argentina’s roster for the upcoming matches includes former MLS star with Atlanta, Thiago Almada. Argentina lead the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers table with 25 points across 12 games.
Messi has scored 112 goals in 191 matches for Argentina across his storied career.
La Albiceleste take on Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. Inter Miami, meanwhile, have a bye on Matchday 5, and return to the pitch on March 29 against the Philadelphia Union
