Lionel Messi withdraws from Argentina’s squad due to discomfort.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil after being left off the final roster due to injury concerns. Inter Miami confirmed the 37-year-old underwent an MRI on Monday after experiencing discomfort in his adductor during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United. Despite being named in Argentina’s preliminary 33-player squad on March 2, Messi’s fitness had been under scrutiny. He previously missed three matches for Inter Miami due to load management but returned as a substitute in a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Cavalier FC. Head coach, Javier Mascherano had initially stated Messi was being rested, not injured, in preparation for a demanding season, including the inaugural Club World Cup. Although Messi played a full 90 minutes and scored against Atlanta, his injury ultimately ruled him out of Argentina’s qualifiers. He is now expected to return for Inter Miami’s MLS match against the Philadelphia Union on March 29.
🚨❌ BREAKING: Leo Messi won’t be part of Argentina squad for the upcoming games due to discomfort. pic.twitter.com/5sGSqYcVAX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025
Van Dijk addresses Liverpool’s future amid contract uncertainty.
With just three months remaining on his Liverpool contract, Virgil van Dijk has yet to begin negotiations over a new deal. Following Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat, the Reds captain was asked about his future, stating, “Before the end of the season there’s going to be news. As long as I’m fully committed and love the club, that’s the main thing.” Van Dijk is among three key players whose contracts remain unresolved, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both set to become free agents this summer. Despite the uncertainty, the Dutch defender continues to deliver strong performances, helping Liverpool maintain a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League. As speculation over his future continues, Van Dijk is now preparing for international duty with the Netherlands, who face Spain in a two-legged Nations League quarter-final on March 20 and 23. His next steps at Liverpool remain eagerly anticipated.
🚨 Virgil van Dijk on his future: “Before the end of the season there's going to be news”.
“As long as I'm full committed and have my full focus on the task ahead, and I love the club, that's the main thing. That's who I am”. pic.twitter.com/jcloMprhbf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025
Marc Casadó to be sidelined for two months after suffering a ligament tear.
FC Barcelona has confirmed that midfielder Marc Casadó has sustained a partial tear of the external ligament in his right knee following their comeback win against Atletico Madrid. Additional tests revealed the extent of the injury, and the club announced that the 21-year-old will undergo conservative treatment instead of surgery. Casadó is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months. Despite seeing reduced playing time recently, with manager Hansi Flick favouring Frenkie de Jong alongside Pedri in midfield, Casadó has been a key figure this season, making 37 appearances across all competitions. His absence will be a setback for Barcelona as they navigate the final stretch of the campaign. With surgery ruled out, it remains uncertain whether Casadó will recover in time to feature before the season concludes. His progress will be closely monitored as Barcelona looks to maintain their form in both domestic and European competitions.
🚨 MEDICAL NEWS 🚨
This morning, additional tests were performed on first-team player Marc Casadó, confirming a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. He will undergo conservative treatment and is expected to be out for approximately two months. pic.twitter.com/gcPUM5srDp
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2025
Paul George ruled out of the remainder of the regular season after groin injury.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George will miss the rest of the regular season after receiving injections for injuries in his left adductor muscle and knee. The 34-year-old consulted doctors last week before opting for treatment, following a season plagued by groin, knee, and finger issues. George had previously played through pain, even taking painkiller injections for five straight games before the All-Star break. The 76ers, currently five games out of the play-in race, confirmed George will be sidelined for at least six weeks. After signing a four-year, $212 million deal last summer, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 41 games. This marks the fifth time in six years he has played fewer than 60 games. With reigning MVP Joel Embiid also out for the season and the team under NBA investigation, George’s absence further cements what has become a disappointing campaign for the once-title-contending 76ers.
Paul George received injections in his left adductor muscle and left knee on Monday and has now been ruled out for the rest of the 76ers' season, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/wucQKqmNjT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 17, 2025
Cole Palmer withdraws from England’s WC qualifiers squad due to injury.
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has withdrawn from England’s squad due to an injury sustained in training before the club’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The 22-year-old will remain with Chelsea for further medical assessment, ruling him out of Thomas Tuchel’s first matches in charge of the national team. Palmer’s absence means Tuchel will be unable to utilize England’s reigning Player of the Year for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, initially omitted from the squad, has been called up in his place. Following Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Palmer would undergo a scan on Monday, expressing no immediate concern over his withdrawal. The injury gives the former Manchester City star a chance to recover before club commitments resume. Tuchel’s England tenure begins with a qualifier against Albania on Friday, followed by a match against Latvia at Wembley on Monday.
🚨🏴 Official: Cole Palmer remains with Chelsea for further assessment on an injury sustained in club training last week.
He won’t be part of England squad. pic.twitter.com/nykDT1xXat
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 18, 2025