Lionel Messi has suffered a groin injury in Argentina defeat to Venezuela and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s friendly against Morocco.
The Barcelona forward played the full 90 minutes on Friday night, but the Argentine federation confirmed after the game he will leave the squad as they prepare for their clash with the African side next week.
Atlanta United midfielder Gonzalo Martínez has also been ruled out for Tuesday’s game after sustaining a muscular injury in his left thigh.
Friday was not the first time Messi has suffered from a groin problem, with the Argentine having missed time in 2016 and 2017 due to a similar injury.
News of Messi’s injury will be particularly worrying for Barcelona, with the 31-year-old in the middle of yet another brilliant campaign.
Messi has netted 39 goals in 36 games in all competitions for the Blaugrana, who are still alive in their chase for a treble this season.