Tim Batibasaga 
Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain.
The 37-year-old star dazzled in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United on Sunday with a stunning goal but reportedly felt discomfort afterwards.
As a result, Messi will stay in the U.S. to recover, missing out on a crucial qualifier window.
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Argentina, leading the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points after 12 games, will face second-placed Uruguay on Friday before hosting Brazil on March 25.
Brazil will also be without Neymar, who was set to return to the national team but is sidelined with a muscle injury.
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