Lionel Messi misses Argentina’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela with groin problem
Barcelona striker ended his international retirement to score winner against Uruguay before old issue flared up
LIONEL MESSI will miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela with a groin injury.
The Barcelona star came out of international retirement to score the only goal in a 1-0 win over Uruguay.
But Messi, 29, suffered a recurrence of a long-standing groin issue and will miss the trip to Venezuela.
After winning his first game in charge, coach Edgardo Bauza confirmed his talisman’s absence.
He said: “Leo is in pain, unfortunately he will not be able to play the next game.
“He has an inflammation and we cannot take risks. We were talking with him, with the doctor, and it is advisable to rest.
“Tomorrow he will be with the group, but will not participate in the next match.”
Messi is likely to skip the trip to Argentina’s South American rivals and head back to Barcelona.
He is trying to be fit for the LaLiga clash with Deportivo Alaves on September 10.
Bauza added: “I do not think he will travel [to Venezuela] because [the injury] is delicate and must be looked after.”
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain was not included in the squad, with Sergio Aguero withdrawing due to a calf injury.
Pablo Dybala was sent off during the Uruguay match, which leaves table-topping Argentina short up top against Venezuela, who just one point from seven qualifiers.
Angel Correa, Lucas Pratto and Lucas Alario are the remaining strikers in Bauza’s squad, with just six international caps between them.