Messi out of World Cup qualifiers with injury

Later, Inter Miami said Messi underwent an MRI to assess the extent of his injury suffered in Sunday's win over Atlanta United.

"The examination's findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle," Inter Miami said. "His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition."

Argentina visit second-placed Uruguay on Friday and host fifth-placed Brazil four days later at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi was not the only absentee for the two matches that could seal Argentina's qualification.

Also ruled out were Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel and Giovani Lo Celso.

Scaloni dropped Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri from the larger squad announced on March 2.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, has been sidelined several times by Inter Miami this season because of injury concerns.