Argentina’s talisman attacker Lionel Messi is all set to miss the upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and El Salvador in the US, according to an official announcement. Messi’s hamstring injury has forced him out of the next two games, according to a statement from the Argentina Football Association (AFA).
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will miss the national team duties against El Salvador in Philadelphia on Friday before facing Costa Rica in Los Angeles on March 26.
The official account of the Argentine national team announced on Monday that the captain “will not be able to join the squad” for the friendlies “due to a minor injury to the hamstring of his right leg.” This news dispelled speculation that Messi would be included in the squad, despite the fact that Lionel Messi missed his team Inter Miami’s match against DC United in the MLS.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the American team’s coach, had already mentioned it during the post-match press conference on Saturday, stating that he aimed to have Messi ready for the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal on April 3.
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“The injury, beyond today’s absence, needs to be managed week by week. We take advantage of having full weeks, and we will constantly evaluate him,” explained Martino.
“Regarding the national team issue, I think the people from the national team should speak about it,” he added.
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