Argentina’s football squad is gearing up to face Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but they’ll be missing their iconic captain, Lionel Messi.

The superstar’s fitness woes have struck again, keeping him out of the lineup for these crucial matches.

Messi’s latest setback came after Inter Miami’s clash with Atlanta United on Sunday. He played the full 90 minutes and even scored, but reports from Argentina say he felt muscle discomfort afterward.

That’s enough to rule him out for the qualifiers, adding to a season already peppered with absences.

This year alone, Messi sat out three Inter Miami games in early March due to a pulled muscle.

He only returned last Thursday, coming off the bench to score in a CONCACAF Champions Cup win. Now, this fresh injury has Argentina playing it safe.

Why Argentina’s Rolling Without Messi

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina’s not sweating it too much. They’re topping the South American qualifying group with 25 points from 12 games five ahead of second-placed Uruguay.

The top six from CONMEBOL punch their ticket straight to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2022 champs could lock it up in these next two.

They’ll take on Uruguay in Montevideo this Friday, then host Brazil in Buenos Aires on March 25.

Messi’s six goals make him the qualifying round’s leading scorer, so his boots will be missed but Argentina’s depth has them covered.

Elsewhere, Argentina’s also without injured Roma striker Paulo Dybala and River Plate’s Paulo Montiel. Brazil, sitting fifth with 18 points, won’t have Neymar either—he’s nursing a thigh injury.

The squad still looks stacked, though Emiliano Martinez in goal, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi anchoring the back, and firepower up top with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Messi might be out, but Argentina’s still gunning for that World Cup spot.

Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to make significant investments in their attack this summer following their 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle.

The Reds struggled to break down a resilient Newcastle side, with Mohamed Salah unable to inspire a comeback.

Despite the loss, Carragher defended Salah and shifted the focus to the need for reinforcements in the squad.

Newcastle’s Triumph and Liverpool’s Struggles

Newcastle secured their first domestic trophy in 70 years with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, while Federico Chiesa’s late strike proved insufficient for Liverpool.

Salah had a quiet game, but Carragher pointed to the lack of impact from other attackers like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo as the real issue.

“It was probably one of the worst performances I’ve seen from Liverpool in a cup final,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “But they’ve given so much this season and they’ve lost one league game. It’s hard to be too critical, but it has shone a light on areas where Liverpool still need to improve.”

Carragher’s Defense of Salah

Carragher argued that Salah has been unfairly criticized, especially after facing top defenders like PSG’s Nuno Mendes in recent games.

He emphasized that Salah lacks the support he once had from players like Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.

“He doesn’t get help from the other attackers. This isn’t like under Jurgen Klopp where [Sadio] Mane or [Roberto] Firmino could bail them out of trouble. The other attackers Liverpool have got are good players, but they’re not great players,” Carragher explained.

A Call for New Signings

Carragher believes Liverpool must sign at least two top-quality attackers this summer to ease the burden on Salah and elevate the team’s attacking threat. “They’ve relied on him too much, so I don’t want to see too much criticism of Mo Salah over this last week. What it’s shone a light on is that Liverpool need to go out and buy two attackers – not as squad players, but possibly to play alongside Mo Salah, hopefully, next season.”

Despite Federico Chiesa’s arrival last summer, his contributions have been modest, with just two goals and two assists in 11 appearances.

Carragher’s comments highlight the need for Liverpool to address their attacking depth if they are to compete for major trophies.

Salah’s Contract Situation

Salah’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The Egyptian has been in sensational form, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists in all competitions.

Losing him would leave a massive void in Liverpool’s attack, making it crucial for the club to either secure his future or find a suitable replacement.

While Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat was disappointing, Carragher remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “I’ve been excited thinking it looks like Liverpool are going to win the league, and there is still lots to improve – and I think they will in the summer.”

As the season progresses, Liverpool’s focus will be on strengthening their squad and ensuring they remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

With the right additions, they could return stronger next season and challenge for silverware once again.

Luka Modric continues to defy age and remain a vital figure for Real Madrid this season.

Despite being 39 years old, the Croatian midfielder has made more appearances than any other player in the squad, showcasing his remarkable consistency and durability.

Leading the Pack in Appearances

According to SPORT, Modric has played in a combined total of 51 matches this season, including his games for both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team.

While he doesn’t top the list for minutes played at the club, ranking 11th among Carlo Ancelotti’s most-used players, his overall involvement is impressive.

When his international minutes are included, he moves up to 9th place.

This season, nine Real Madrid players have featured in at least 40 matches, reflecting the depth and rotation within the squad.

Yet, Modric stands out as the player with the most appearances, surpassing younger teammates like Federico Valverde (50 matches), Kylian Mbappe (46), and Antonio Rudiger and Rodrygo (45 each).

Defying Age with Consistency

Modric’s ability to maintain such a high level of performance at his age is extraordinary. Ancelotti has managed his workload carefully, often starting him every other match.

However, Modric recently played back-to-back games, featuring against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League after starting against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

His importance extends beyond club football. For Croatia, Modric has been a guaranteed starter in all six international matches this season, proving his enduring value on the international stage.

For Real Madrid, he has appeared in 45 out of 48 matches, further highlighting his reliability.

A Legend in the Making

Modric’s contract with Real Madrid expires in June, but his performances suggest he still has plenty to offer. His technical ability, football intelligence, and leadership remain as sharp as ever, earning him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.

Real Madrid supporters hold Modric in the highest regard and would love to see him extend his stay for another season.

If he does, it would mark his 14th campaign with the club, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport.

Modric’s remarkable season is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and timeless talent. As he continues to shine on the pitch, he proves that age is just a number.