Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami player, has been officially ruled out of Argentina’s upcoming friendlies in the United States following a hamstring injury, confirmed by the Argentina Football Association on Monday.
Messi, who was set to lead the world champions in friendlies against El Salvador in Philadelphia and Costa Rica in Los Angeles, sustained the injury during Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Nashville last week.
The 36-year-old Argentine captain, who was substituted at halftime during the victory over Nashville, subsequently missed Miami’s recent match against D.C. United in Washington.
“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 match against Nashville SC,” the Argentine federation announced on X.
Miami coach Gerardo Martino hinted at Messi’s potential absence from the internationals following their win over Washington, emphasizing the team’s priority to ensure Messi’s fitness for the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals next month.
“It is clear that with him, there is an objective that he can play in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We’re not going to take any risks,” Martino stated.
