The race to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across South America during the March international period, with world champions Argentina leading the pack as things stand. La Albiceleste are currently top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and can secure a berth at next summer's tournament should they sit 13 points ahead of seventh place after meetings with Uruguay and Brazil.

The Argentina national team is dealt a new blow as Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez is sidelined for the next World Cup qualifiers. This follows alongside Lionel Messi’s sideline for a muscle strain,

Lionel Messi will not join the Argentine national team for two World Cup qualifying matches in the next week. Here's the latest on Messi.