Lionel Messi is injured and will not join Argentina; Thai Football Federation accused of selling data to Malaysia

Messi injured and not joining Argentina team

Superstar Lionel Messi will not be able to join the Argentina team in two important matches against Brazil and Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury.

After the match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United in the US Major League Soccer on the morning of March 17,Lionel Messisuffered an adductor injury. Immediately afterwards, Messi contacted the doctors at the Argentina national team and in the end, coach Scaloni did not call him up for this training session.

Along with Messi, many other stars of the Argentina team such as Giovanni Lo Celso, Alejandro Garnacho and Paulo Dybala were also absent from this training session.

Argentina are currently leading the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup with 25 points from 12 matches. They will visit Uruguay on March 22 and meet Brazil on March 26.

Who is the young Indonesian star playing for the famous Brazilian club?

Welber Jardim, a young talent born in 2007 for Indonesia U20, is the first Indonesian player to sign a professional contract with a top Brazilian club, Sao Paulo FC.

Jardim joined Sao Paulo FC's youth academy in 2018 and quickly established his talent with a series of youth titles such as the Gothia Cup, Dana Cup and Madewis Cup in 2019. The Brazilian press even called Jardim, who usually plays as a right winger, with the nickname "Indonesian Neymar".

A few days ago, Welber Jardim shared on his social networking page, announcing the good news of signing his first professional contract with Sao Paulo FC.

The young Indonesian star wrote: "This is a very special day, because I signed my first professional contract with Sao Paulo FC. I am very happy because this moment brings back so many memories and friends, people I wish I had this opportunity with."

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have helped me in this process, whether directly or indirectly. As for the rest, let everything happen naturally. My efforts will never stop. Thank God," Welber Jardim shared.

With this milestone, Welber Jardim became the first Indonesian player to sign a contract with a Brazilian Club, making history for Indonesian football.

Thai Football Federation accused of selling data to Malaysia

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is facing serious allegations of selling football data to a Malaysian company, leading to consecutive defeats to the Malaysian team over the past years.

According to Today Line, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) sold data of the country's national championship (Thai League) to a Malaysian company with a 10-year contract, starting from 2018 to 2028. This incident originated from the time of former FAT President Somyot.

According to sources, this decision was considered a "fatal mistake", creating conditions for direct competitors such as Malaysia to exploit the information, leading to theThailand teamhave often been at a disadvantage when facing Malaysia over the years.

Selling data not only related to the tournament but also about the national team, creating opportunities for opponents to analyze the tactics and weaknesses of the Thai team.

The fact that FAT sold this information to a foreign company, especially one belonging to a direct competitor like Malaysia, has raised questions about the transparency and benefits that Thailand receives from this deal.

Some experts believe that this is the reason why Thailand has often lost to Malaysia in the past decade, when statistics show that Thailand has only won 2, drawn 3 and lost 4 matches against Malaysia in the past 10 years.

After taking office in 2024, the current FAT President, Madam Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang), discovered this controversial contract and attempted to negotiate a purchase to control national football data. However, the Malaysian company refused to sell the information exploitation rights, putting the FAT in a difficult position.

The reason why overseas Vietnamese midfielders have difficulty competing for a position in U22 Vietnam

According to VTC News, the U22 Vietnam coaching staff is still in the testing phase of the squad, arranging personnel to suit each individual's ability. In particular, the case of Andrej Nguyen An Khanh is considered the most.

Having been trained in Europe, Nguyen An Khanh possesses a good set of basic skills. He is a central midfielder and can play as an attacking midfielder. However, the fact that U22 Vietnam plays a 3-4-3 formation forces the central midfielders to be physically strong in order to control the midfield. Strength and endurance are An Khanh's weaknesses.

Therefore, the coaching staff wants to test Andrej An Khanh as a more pure attacking player, removing the pressure of having to support the defense. This player must try to show himself to ensure a starting position, or stay for the 33rd SEA Games. The position of striker, left midfielder can help An Khanh develop his ability.

Coach Troussier personally introduced him to the country in 2023. However, at the age of 18, it is not easy for him to surpass his colleagues with more professional experience. This time, An Khanh is expected to help U22 Vietnam achieve good results and aim for the 33rd SEA Games.

U23 Vietnam will enter 3 matches against Korea, China and Uzbekistan in CFA Team China 2025./.