Football

Messi ruled out of World Cup qualifiers due to injury

Tim Batibasaga Digital Writer [email protected]

March 18, 2025 5:34 am

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.

Argentina, leading the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points after 12 games, will face second-placed Uruguay on Friday before hosting Brazil on March 25.

Article continues after advertisement

Brazil will also be without Neymar, who was set to return to the national team but is sidelined with a muscle injury.

Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

State seeks mistrial in Health Tender trial

Fiji could record more than 2,000 new HIV infections this year

Rising ocean temperatures threaten coastal livelihoods

Police investigate suspected drugs in Samabula

PM to appeal High Court ruling on Malimali removal

$50m ADB loan to modernize Fiji’s health system

New savings plan to support cane farmers

Fiji considers tougher litter fines to tackle growing waste problem

Court to rule on release of COI transcripts

Tabuya warns over rise in misinformation

New forensic labs to tackle document fraud

Ba FC rallies behind former star Manuca in cancer battle

Nawaka 7s expands to support grassroots teams

Tui Ba urges Drua to defend home ground

Women farmers recognised at national awards

Koya raises cost-of-living concerns in Parliament

UniFiji proposes new teaching model to improve numeracy

AI skills key to future workforce: Rikihana

Witness inconsistency triggers court transcript review

Body of missing Navilawa man found in Sabeto River

Opposition warns against politicization of public institutions

Culture and heritage to be reflected in curriculum

Greater recognition of cooperatives urged

FBC shares success story at Pasifika TV Conference

Para events for 2026 Fiji Finals

FRU lodges application for 60-acre land in Saweni

Evidence dispute settled in high-profile corruption trial

Potential Drua debut for Namoce and Ravudi

Back-to-back games in Nadi for Drua women

Tuqiri highlights growing depth in Drua squad

Radrodro warns of growing drug threat in schools

FSC Grassroots team to play at Nawaka 7s

Skills gaps and jobless teens worry government

Opposition presses government to prioritise Fijians

Fiji Labour Mobility hits $1B remittance milestone

River waste threatens Mali Island's fishing grounds

Koroilavesau demands full transparency on constitution changes

Kuridrani pledges rural income security

Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship returns to Fiji

Boost for FDB lending approved

Rural communities back government, says Bulitavu

Minister responds to household struggles

War of words in Parliament over cost of living

Drua gift 200 tickets to Nasova’s village

Nasilivata impresses in New Zealand

Students struggle with literacy and numeracy

Half of Fijians struggle as economy expands, Maharaj warns

Singh is new Navua coach

$38M boost for informal settlement upgrades

SPX launches publication recognising women

Cyclone-resistant model homes introduced

AI cannot replace human connection: Ziena Jalil

Hospitals buckle under staff shortages

Teachers urged to remain neutral in election year

Maharaj believes Seruiratu should lead Fiji as PM

Government pushes ahead with Constitution review

Family mourns after fatal workplace accident in Labasa

Public urged to use social media responsibly

Defence objects to documents tendered in Hospineer trial

Drua brings the buzz to Ba

Spain and Argentina in the way again for Fiji 7s

Karan starts season in style in New Zealand

$840m in development projects approved

Vacant Lautoka home destroyed by fire

Timothée Chalamet triggers backlash over ballet and opera remarks

Trump threatens to escalate Iran war, but says it could end soon

Big investment behind Drua’s historic Ba clash

EPL set for round four

Iranian soccer players celebrate after audacious escape

Turaga calls for full justice in Racagi case

Fijians urged to avoid all travel to the Middle East

Witness reveals tender waiver decision changed

HIV takes one infant every month

2,800 workplace harassment cases recorded

Seven juveniles among 35 charged for serious crimes

FCCC confirms stable fuel stocks amid global crisis

Ticket demand surges for Drua’s historic Ba clash

Nawaka 7s pools out

Nausori assault allegation backfires

Women strengthen market access

New tribunal gives mariners a voice

Pacific broadcasters unite in Auckland for regional conference

FICAC investigation paused on former AG's advice

NRDP to strengthen rural livelihoods

Woman found dead

American tourist reported missing

Pig hunting trip ends in tragedy in Lautoka

HIV cases continue to rise

New research and technology for climate-smart agriculture

Maharaj remains in remand

Ministry partners as bronze sponsor for SPTE 2026

Kumar stresses action over words

Minister warns families about high cost of Pilot training

Lautoka residents raise concerns over rising homelessness

National women in Agriculture symposium begins

Government to introduce flexible working hours for civil servants

Rahman bailed after immigration status clarified

Seruiratu calls for constitutional reform

Brumbies face tough travel ahead of Drua clash in Ba

Auvray confident Bula FC building momentum

Lomax signs with Western Force in code switch

Vugakoto to lead Fiji Netball transitional committee

Police dismiss social media claims in Racagi investigation

Airstrip planned for Namosi, Rewa and Ovalau to Boost Tourism Access

Fiji faces rising flood risks.

Court halts deportation of Canadian drug accused Rahman

Fiji stay top despite missing Vancouver final

Dau relishes Melbourne experience ahead of round four

PS to undergo performance evaluations

Yaqona, drugs and HIV drive national health and social crisis

Labasa at top of EPL table

Court dismisses Sharma’s evidence challenge

Rising drug offences prompt plans for Rehabilitation Centre

Overseas work schemes transforming lives of Fijian workers

Government expands farm mechanization to boost productivity

Fiji secure fifth straight podium finish in Vancouver

Man jailed for manslaughter of wife

Seruiratu blasts government on oversight, inflation

Fijiana finish sixth after narrow loss to Canada

Rabuka targets high-income status

Airlines filling more seats on Fiji routes

Regional Intel to boost immigration checks

SEA Program opens market for fisherman

Spain beat Fiji 7s in semifinal

Superb India crush NZ to defend T20 title

Fiji 7s feel at home in Vancouver

Council calls for name and shame of unscrupulous traders

Influx of cars causing congestions on our roads

Bua women raise concerns on transport, health and youth issues

Morgan focuses on rebuilding basics for Fiji Pearls

Government promotes community support to protect at-risk children

Action-packed round three in EPL

FCS stay focused despite leadership shift

Landowners receive funding for business projects

Government funds safety project at Nadi Temple

Bulitavu briefed on Gau island development initiatives

Man who alleged police assault may face false information charge

Fijiana 7s to meet Great Britain in 5th place semifinals

Fiji could see 500 drug offenders in prison by year-end, Corrections warns

Fallen officer Racagi honored for heroism

Batiki pushes for reliable water supply

Tudravu seeks forgiveness at fallen officer’s funeral

Inmate gains farming skills through rehabilitation program

FWRM raises concern over commercialization of International Women’s Day

Fiji power into Vancouver 7s semifinals

Late goal denies Kulas top spot in Group B

Nadi Sports Club pots Som Padyachi Cup in dominant display

Badminton Fiji questions timing of high-performance push

Over 4,000 families still waiting for Back-to-School assistance

Rabuka launches drug-free sports Fiji logo

Japan funds $12M program to fight drug threat in pacific youth

FWRM calls for action on women’s rights

Fiji face must-win clash after narrow loss to Argentina

Australia punish late error to defeat Fijiana in Vancouver opener

Impatient driving increases congestion, police caution motorists

Substandard products continue in the market

Corrections Academy boosts officer training for rehabilitation role

Veteran police officer achieves dream of becoming a lawyer

Naduvalo hits 100 as Fiji edge France in Vancouver

Nasinu and Suva Blues claim Vanua Challenge

Police refute claims of unlawful questioning of minor

Saukuru’s fate hinges on abuse probe

Single sniffer dog stretches across four correction facilities

Fijiana 7s revive ‘Team Lotu’ to boost team bond

Women entrepreneurs get support to grow businesses

Drua open training in Ba to give fans rare close-up experience

Bold & Beautiful expands again

Panthers spoil Silktails’ Jersey Flegg Cup opener

Nisha grateful for positive Holi turnout

Saukuru dismissed as Police probe abuse of office allegations

Boat master training begins for Vanua Levu fishers

Fiji strengthens tourism partnerships at Berlin

Corrections Service promotes transparency with media tour

Transparency key As Sports Council investigation begins

Nadi Rugby Union elects new executive at AGM

Historic milestone for Fiji women’s handball

IMF pushes rate hike, Fiji pushes back

Mental health concerns grow among children

Beacon Learning Center celebrates inclusion and awareness

Families invited to Nonstop Holi Masti

Walker backs consistency as Fijiana 7s target stronger finish in Vancouver

Romuakalou embracing challenge at QVS

Ba FA clarifies police complaint as social media probe widens

Municipal elections return in September after 21-year pause

Auvray urges patience from Bula fans

Latianara sentenced to life for taxi driver’s murder

National airline backs Drua Women ahead of Super Rugby W

Schools Futsal fixtures shifted to March 14

Rehabilitation program changes inmate’s life

Fiji activates emergency centre as Middle East situation monitored

Fake accounts fuel online harm, says Nadakuitavuki

Veisari Murder accused to undergo psychiatric evaluation

Tovata House wins QVS inter-house athletics

Trial date set for family accused of murdering man in 2021

Voters must re-register for local government elections

Economy on edge as fuel price shock looms

Restoration works continue on Ba water supply TC Urmil

Fiji strengthen cooperation with Australia on cybersecurity

Fiji has ample fuel for now says Finance Minister

Ruling on legal issues on former government officials differed