BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil because of a muscle strain.

Messi scored a stunning goal in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win at Atlanta United in Major League Soccer on Sunday but reportedly felt muscle discomfort.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni thus decided to omit the 37-year-old from his squad and allow him to remain in the United States to recover.

Argentina, who lead the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 25 points after 12 games, travel to second-placed Uruguay on Friday.

They then host a Brazil side, on March 25, without forward Neymar, who was set to make his return to the national team after more than a year but has been ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury.

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