Though he played 90 minutes for Inter Miami on the weekend, Messi will not travel for Argentina duty this March
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Lionel Messi left off Argentina roster for MarchWill not feature in WCQ vs. Brazil or UruguayInter Miami said low-grade muscle injury was confirmedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Lionel Messi was not included on Argentina's final roster announced Monday for the upcoming March CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay, and later was diagnosed with a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle, according to a statement from Inter Miami.
The Argentine played 90 minutes for Inter Miami Sunday night in MLS action against Atlanta United, scoring the opening goal in his return to the XI.
He previously missed three straight matches due to "load management" and made his return to the club off the bench in a substitute cameo against Cavalier SC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The team said Messi underwent an MRI Monday morning "to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region," which he experienced during the Atlanta match. With a confirmation of the abductor muscle injury, the club said Messi's "clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition."
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Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano had been adamant during the opening stages of the MLS season that the Argentine has not been injured, but that the team has been exercising caution.
"We tried to take away from the overload Messi had, so that it wouldn't go further than that. We tried to handle it in the best way. Luckily, we were able to control it and that it didn't turn into an injury or much more… There's no secret in this," Mascherano said ahead of Sunday's match against Atlanta.
The manager added that throughout the start of the MLS season, Inter Miami has been in touch with Argentina's camp and the national team medical staff regarding his status.
"Obviously the Argentinian national team doctors are in contact with the doctors here and they are the ones who specifically talk about that," he said. "I haven't spoken with the coaching staff, but if they have any consultation, I will talk to them. I don't think it will be necessary because the doctors are in contact all time."
Initially named to the 33-man provisional roster, Messi will not compete for thismonth
Argentina's roster for the upcoming matches includes former MLS star with Atlanta, Thiago Almada. Argentina lead the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers table with 25 points across 12 games.
DID YOU KNOW?
Messi has scored 112 goals in 191 matches for Argentina across his storied career.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
take on Uruguay on March 21 and Brazil on March 25. Inter Miami, meanwhile, have a bye on Matchday 5, and return to the pitch on March 29 against the Philadelphia Union. Messi's availability for the MLS match will be determined by his recovery progress.
