Messi Excited as Argentina Secures Early Qualification for World Cup 2026, Crushing Rival Brazil

According to Inter Miami coach Mascherano, he watched Argentina’s recent 1-0 victory over Uruguay alongside Messi and Suarez. The 37-year-old football legend was extremely excited as Argentina not only won the match but also defeated Brazil in a dominant fashion, securing an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina Once Again Qualifies Early Ahead of Brazil, Just Like in 2021

Argentina’s victories over Uruguay and a crushing 4-1 win against arch-rival Brazil on March 26 in Buenos Aires have propelled the team straight to the 2026 World Cup, allowing them to defend their title at an astonishing pace. Thanks to this, Messi can now focus on preparing for his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance with ease.

This marks the second consecutive World Cup where Argentina has officially secured qualification ahead of their biggest South American rival, Brazil.

Messi to Focus Solely on Inter Miami as Argentina Secures Their Spot

Messi did not participate in the March FIFA Days due to injury, staying with Inter Miami to rest and recover. He has recently returned to training and may feature in the upcoming match against Philadelphia Union at 6:30 AM on March 30.

Even though he was absent, Messi showed his full support for Argentina from afar. Coach Mascherano shared:
“I watched the Argentina vs. Uruguay match (on March 22) at the club’s headquarters with Messi and Suarez. Messi was like a child—constantly moving and reacting to every moment of the game. He was shouting instructions as if he were playing himself, saying, ‘Come on, pass it to your teammate! No, no, shoot! Get back on defense…’ When Argentina scored, he jumped up and applauded enthusiastically.”

“Messi always wants to be with the national team during international breaks. However, due to his injury, he had to stay with the club. Recently, he has been very comfortable with the Argentina squad—talking a lot and laughing with his teammates, which is quite different from when we played together at Barcelona,” Mascherano added.

Mascherano made these comments after Inter Miami held an open training session at Chase Stadium on March 25, as they prepare for upcoming MLS matches and the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals in early April.

Argentina Stays Unbeaten Even Without Messi

Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina remained dominant. Under the leadership of striker Julián Álvarez and rising stars like Thiago Almada and Giuliano Simeone—alongside Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister—the team secured two victories in March.

This included a hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay (with Almada scoring the only goal). But most notably, Argentina demolished Brazil 4-1, with goals from Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone.

On the Brazilian side, despite bold pre-match statements from Raphinha, the Seleção struggled and could only manage a consolation goal by Matheus Cunha in the 26th minute.

Argentina has now officially secured their World Cup 2026 spot, while Brazil—following this painful loss—has dropped to fourth place in the South American qualifiers with 21 points after 14 matches.

Brazil is level on points with Uruguay and Paraguay, just ahead of Colombia (20 points) and seventh-placed Venezuela (15 points). The Seleção must now rely on their upcoming matches in June against Ecuador and Paraguay to secure their qualification.