Summary Lionel Messi will miss Tuesday's 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Venezuela with a groin problem
BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Argentina striker Lionel Messi will miss Tuesday s 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Venezuela with a groin problem, national team coach Edgardo Bauza said on Friday.
"Unfortunately, he won t be able to play. We can t take any risks. We spoke with the doctor and it s the sensible thing to do. It must be treated, we must take care of him," Bauza told reporters at the team s training base in Buenos Aires.
Messi made a triumphant return after his short-lived international retirement by scoring the winning goal in Thursday s 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Mendoza.
The result moved Argentina to the top of the 10-team South American qualifying group after seven of 18 matches. The top four teams will automatically qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia.
