Photo credit: MARCA
Lionel Messi will not be in Argentina's upcoming matches during the international team break as the Albiceleste officialized the absence of the number 10 after the injury suffered in the hamstring of his right leg in his most recent game with Inter Miami.
The Argentina captain was injured in his club's MLS match against Nashville. Messi, who scored a goal and provided an assist, had to leave the game in the 49th minute. Thus, Messi will miss the two friendly matches that Argentina has scheduled, against El Salvador and Costa Rica.
"He has an overload in his right hamstring," Inter Miami coach Tata Marino said after the match, confirming the injury. "We didn't have to take any kind of risk.
"We tried to see if he could hold out a little longer, but it was bothering him and so we preferred that he leave the game."
What is the impact on Argentina?
Fortunately for Lionel Scaloni and his FIFA World Cup-winning side, the 36-year-old will only miss friendly games so it will not have an effect on their Copa America or World Cup qualifiers.
The Copa America is scheduled to begin on June 20th, with Argentina's first game against Playoff Winner A. The first known team they will play will be Chile on Tuesday, June 26th.
Messi and co. will bid to defend the title they won in 2021 as they triumphed over their archrivals, Brazil, thanks to Angel Di Maria's 22nd minute strike after eliminating Educador on Colombia on their way to the final.
It was the first time they had won the competition in 28 years despite four appearances in the finals since 1993.
It proved to be a symbolic omen as Messi then inspired Argentina to win the World Cup in Qatar against France, their first victory in the competition since 36 years as they embark on a run of good form that has seen them also win the UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima).
