Argentina Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers, Missing Messi

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, is also facing additional challenges as both Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Montiel will miss the matches due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Argentina leads the CONMEBOL qualifying standings and can secure their World Cup spot with victories in these games. Alexis Mac Allister is expected to lead the team in Messi's absence, while potential replacements like Nicolás González and Julián Alvarez may step up to fill the void. The matches are crucial as Argentina aims to maintain their five-point lead over Uruguay and solidify their position in the qualifiers. The team will play Uruguay in Montevideo on March 21 and host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.