The Argentina Football Association confirmed on Monday that Lionel Messi will miss the team's upcoming friendlies in the United States due to a hamstring injury. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, was set to play against El Salvador in Philadelphia on Friday and Costa Rica in Los Angeles on March 26.

Despite efforts to recover, the 36-year-old Argentine captain remains sidelined after sustaining a hamstring injury during Miami's 3-1 win over Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup last week.

After being substituted just after the half-time mark during Miami's triumphant encounter against Nashville, Lionel Messi was noticeably absent from Miami's subsequent victory over D.C. United in Washington this past Saturday. Following his departure from the field in the Nashville match, Messi's participation in Argentina's forthcoming friendlies in the United States was cast into doubt due to a minor hamstring injury he sustained. Confirming his unavailability, the Argentine Football Association released a statement detailing Messi's absence from the friendly fixtures against El Salvador and Costa Rica. The injury, described as a minor hamstring issue in his right leg, prompted the decision to exclude Messi from the squad, ensuring he has adequate time to recuperate and regain full fitness. Miami's coach, Gerardo Martino, echoed the sentiment of prioritizing Messi's well-being, hinting that the team is keen on ensuring Messi's readiness for the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals next month. Martino emphasized the cautious approach being taken to avoid exacerbating Messi's injury, thereby underlining the significance of his presence in the team for the upcoming crucial fixtures.