Will Lionel Messi be Dropped for Argentina after Neymar gets Overlooked in Brazil Squad?

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The snub of Neymar from Brazil's squad for the March 2026 friendlies against France and Croatia has sent shockwaves through the football world, especially with the 2026 World Cup just months away.

Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, the 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, was omitted from the 26-man roster announced on March 16. This continues his absence from the national team since October 2023, when a serious ACL and meniscus injury sidelined him.

Ancelotti was blunt about the decision: "Neymar is not at 100% and therefore he is not on the list." He emphasized needing players fully fit for these crucial World Cup warm-ups, noting Neymar missed a recent Santos match due to muscle fatigue. Ancelotti had even scouted him personally but couldn't assess him live.Despite the omission, Ancelotti left the door open for the World Cup finals.

"Neymar can be at the World Cup if he's 100%. The final roster will be different. He has to keep working, playing, and showing his qualities in good physical condition," Ancelotti said.

Neymar reacted emotionally, admitting he was "upset and sad" but refusing to give up his dream of a fourth World Cup. He stressed focusing on recovery and consistency.

Will Lionel Messi be snubbed by Argentina?

For Lionel Messi, the upcoming Argentina duty is a match against Guatemala. After the Finalissma was cancelled, the World Champions have only one match left in the window, which they will play against the CONCACAF team on home turf. Although Lionel Scaloni is yet to pick his team, Messi's name may well be spared for this match.

Messi, in the mid of a season with Inter Miami in the MLS, is focusing on workload ahead of the FIFA World Cup in two months. As the veteran continues his stint with Miami, the Argentina head coach may not pick him to avoid extra travel for just a solitary match.

Is Messi In for FIFA World Cup?

Well, absolutely it is. If Messi is fit, the Argentina star will be in the squad for the World Cup. For Neymar, the form and fitness are big concerns and his selection is not warranted, but in case of Messi, the name may have already been written on Scaloni's squad sheet for World Cup.