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Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina Friendly Against Morocco with Groin Injury
March 22, 2019
Argentina forward Lionel Messi will miss his country's friendly with Morocco on Tuesday after picking up a groin injury.
As relayed by Goal's Daniel Edwards, the team's Twitter account confirmed Messi suffered the issue during the clash with Venezuela on Friday:
Daniel Edwards š @DanEdwardsGoalIn perhaps the least surprising news of the night (apart from how bad the defence was because, well, Argentina) Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the game against Morocco with an injury that almost certainly won't rule him out of any Barcelona games. https://t.co/Cu5m4VK0PG
It was Messi's first match for the national team since the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Despite having the Barcelona star available again, the Albiceleste slumped to a shock 3-1 loss.
The 31-year-old has had good fortune with injuries during his career and has played at least 49 matches in all but one of his past 10 seasonsāhe played only 46 matches in 2013-14, per Transfermarkt.
Barcelona have stormed toĀ La Liga's summit with Messi leading their line, and he leads the league's scoring charts with 29Ā goals in 26Ā appearances. His record on the season sits at 39 goals and 18Ā assists inĀ 37Ā appearances in the league and UEFA Champions League.
A fracture to the radial bone in his right arm sidelined Messi for three weeks earlier this season. The club nevertheless went unbeaten in the five matches played without their talisman, winning four and drawing against Inter Milan in their Champions League group.
Ousmane Dembele mayĀ switch back to the right wing and Philippe Coutinho could get pushed into an advanced wide-left role during Messi's absence.
Barcelona face local rivals Espanyol after this weekend's international break, and Blaugrana boss Ernesto Valverde will be hopeful the forward is back at full fitness for that encounter.