Argentina have suffered a setback as their captain, Lionel Messi, will miss this month’s friendly matches in the United States due to a hamstring injury.
The announcement was made by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Monday.
According to the AFA, Messi sustained a minor right hamstring injury during Inter Miami’s recent CONCACAF Champions League match against Nashville.
“The captain Lionel Messi, will not be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in USA due to a minor injury he suffered in his team’s match against Nashville,” AFA stated.
As a result, he will not be included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica.
The last time Argentina played without Lionel Messi, Ángel Correa wore the number 10 shirt. Who should wear it this time? 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/nsi2gpDTj9
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) March 18, 2024
This news comes after several other players, including AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios, and Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, were also ruled out due to injuries.
Argentina is scheduled to play El Salvador on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, followed by a match against Costa Rica four days later at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Despite Messi’s absence, the team remains determined to perform well in these matches.