Lionel Messi to miss Argentina's next World Cup qualifier with injury
Lionel Messi will not play when Argentina take on Venezuela in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. The superstar has a groin injury that was causing him issues after he played in Argentina's win over Uruguay on Thursday and the team has decided not to risk him.
"Messi won't be able to play in the next match," Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza told TyC Sport. "There is inflammation in the groin injury and we must rest him."
Messi scored the only goal in Argentina's 1-0 win over Uruguay on Thursday, a result that put La Albiceleste in first place in South American World Cup qualifying.
Thursday's contest was Messi's first match for Argentina since announcing his retirement from the national team following their loss in the Copa America Centenario final, and subsequent decision to end his retirement without missing a game.
There is no word on the severity of the injury and whether it will cause him to miss any matches for Barcelona. When speaking after the match, he acknowledged the need for him to be healthy going forward, for club and country, and that is why he thought it might be smart to skip the Venezuela match.
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