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Due to a hamstring injury, Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina in their forthcoming friendly against Costa Rica and El Salvador.
The Inter Miami forward has scored five goals and made two assists in five competitive games to start the 2024 campaign in brilliant style.
He did, however, have to miss Saturday’s match against DC United due to an injury he sustained during last Wednesday’s CONCACAF Champions Cup triumph against Nashville, 3-1.
Messi scored and assisted before being replaced early in the second half because of a hamstring issue.
After Saturday’s game against DC United, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino disclosed that a “week by week” evaluation of Messi’s condition is necessary.
“Messi’s injury must be dealt with week by week, and we will evaluate it,” Martino told reporters. It’s evident that he has a target in mind—namely, to participate in the CONCACAF quarterfinals. He hurt his muscles. The national team members should discuss the selection process.”
Due to a minor ailment, Messi will not be available for the World Cup winners’ upcoming friendlies, they have now revealed.
A statement posted to Argentina’s official X page stated: “The captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi, will not be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in the USA due to a minor injury to the hamstring of his right leg, suffered in his team’s Inter Miami CF match against Nashville SC.”
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Consequently, the opportunity for Argentina’s all-time top goalscorer and appearance-maker to add to his 106 goals in 180 international matches would be lost.
Messi is expected to play a significant role in Argentina’s defence of their Copa America championship, which is scheduled to begin on June 20, even though he is not available for the current international time.
Apart from Messi’s absence, injuries have also forced Marcos Senesi, Paulo Dybala, and Exequiel Palacios to withdraw from the Argentina team, according to manager Lionel Scaloni.
In light of those absences, Scaloni has decided to include midfielder Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis in his starting lineup for the forthcoming matches in the USA.
Argentina’s next matchup is with El Salvador in Philadelphia on March 22. On March 26, they head to Los Angeles to play Costa Rica.
