Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for Argentina vs. Brazil today in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Argentina host Brazil at Estadio Monumental for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in one highly anticipated South American derby. However, both teams arrive without their biggest stars, as Lionel Messi and Neymar, injured, won’t be playing in Buenos Aires.

Messi was ruled out for this international window matches due to muscle discomfort, according to journalist Gaston Edul. The Inter Miami star addressed his absence in an Instagram story, citing a “minor injury” but without specifying its nature.

“It’s a shame to miss these two special matches against Uruguay and Brazil with the national team,” he wrote. “As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last moment, a minor injury forced me to take a short break before returning to play. I’ll be cheering from here like any other fan. Vamos, Argentina!”

Without Messi, Argentina were able to defeat Uruguay 1-0, and they are only one point away from securing their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Other important absences include Paulo Dybala, who is set to undergo surgery on a left semitendinosus tendon injury, and Lautaro Martinez, who also suffered muscle discomfort.

Messi reacts during the match between Atlanta United and Inter Miami (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Against Uruguay, Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez played as No. 9, with Lionel Scaloni choosing to start Thiago Almada and Giuliano Simeone as wingers. On the other hand, Nicolas Gonzalez, who came on in the 69th minute, saw a red card and won’t be available against Brazil.

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Argentina’s potential lineup vs Brazil

Despite the absences, the 2022 World Cup champions will play with a strong lineup. Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul didn’t play against Uruguay, but according to reports from Gaston Edul, he is set to play against Brazil.

With that in mind, Giuliano Simeone could be out. Here’s the potential lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez.