Lionel Messi to Miss Planned Mexico vs. Argentina Friendly Match

Lionel Messi will sit out Argentina's scheduled friendly against Mexico on September 8.

It will be the Albiceleste's first fixture since their defeat on penalties to Chile in the final of the summer's Copa America.

The friendly may yet be cancelled as, much like a mooted September 5 match against Brazil, it has been organised by Full Play International TV S.A., whose owners—Hugo and Mariano Jinkis—are under investigation for corruption as part of the wider FIFA scandal, per the Mirror. 

However, even if it does go ahead, an AFA official has said that Messi will not be involved, per Veronica Brunati of Spanish outlet AS: "The relevant processes are in place to ensure that Leo is excused from the Mexico game so that he can get more rest if the match does go ahead."

In the wake of Argentina's disappointing failure at the Copa America, Barcelona's Messi received much criticism, sparking rumours he may quit the national team for a time, per Ole via AS:

Coming just a year after Argentina lost to Germany in the World Cup final, recent national team disappointments must surely be weighing heavily on star man Messi.

However, it seems clear that the 28-year-old is not planning a long-term hiatus from the national team and is merely set to take the opportunity to rest by missing the Mexico clash.

Argentina will hope to see Messi return for their first World Cup 2018 qualifier against Ecuador at the beginning of October.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will no doubt be delighted that Messi is to sit out the Mexico match, as it comes just ahead of their trip to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.