Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been ruled out of friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica due to a hamstring strain. The 36-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Inter Miami in the team’s 3-1 home victory over Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The South American country’s football association confirmed Messi’s absence in a social media post, citing a minor right hamstring injury.
The association said, “Lionel Messi will not be in the squad for the friendlies in the United States due to a minor right hamstring injury sustained in the Inter Miami game against Nashville.” This news follows the withdrawal of Roma forward Paulo Dybala, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios, and Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi from the Albiceleste squad due to injuries.
Due to Messi’s absence, Argentina will have to make adjustments as they prepare to face El Salvador in Philadelphia on Friday and Costa Rica in Los Angeles four days later. The team will have to rely on other players to step up in Messi’s absence and continue their preparations for upcoming matches.
Messi’s injury comes as a blow to Argentina as they look to build momentum ahead of important fixtures. The team will need to regroup quickly and find ways to cope without their talismanic captain. Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Messi so that he can return to the pitch as soon as possible.
