Neymar Jr. missed the matchup against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers. One of the most highly anticipated matchups for soccer fans was set to take place on Matchday 14 of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifiers,

The potential for a Messi-Neymar showdown in late March is mouthwatering for fans. The last time the former Barcelona teammates played against each other on the international stage was the 2021 Copa America final, which saw Messi lift his first major international trophy in a 1-0 Argentina victory at the Maracana in Rio de Janiero.

Neymar's return to action for Brazil will be delayed yet longer after the forward was ruled out of his country's squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers on Friday due to a thigh injury.

Neymar Jr has been dropped from Brazil’s squad ahead of their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month. The 33-year-old was a surprise call-up for the internationals earlier, but Globo reports he is “not physically fit enough” due to a thigh injury.