Lionel Messi: Argentina forward set to miss World Cup qualifier against Venezuela with groin injury
Messi, who scored the winner against Uruguay on his return to international football following a short-lived retirement earlier in the summer, will not be risked for the trip
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela after suffering a groin injury, coach Edgardo Bauza revealed on Friday.
Messi, who scored the winner against Uruguay on his return to international football following a short-lived retirement earlier in the summer, will not be risked for the trip after aggravating a minor problem.
"Leo is in pain, unfortunately he will not be able to play the next game," Bauza told reporters at the team's training base in Buenos Aires.
"He has an inflammation and we cannot take risks. We were talking with him, with the doctor, and it is advisable to rest."
The injury to Messi leaves Argentina short on options up front, with Sergio Aguero already out of the squad with a calf injury and Paulo Dybala suspended after being sent off in the 1-0 win in Bauza's first game in charge on Thursday night.
PA.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments