Inter Miami CF have said captain Lionel Messi has suffered a “minor” adductor injury after being excluded from Argentina's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 37-year-old striker felt discomfort during Sunday's Major League Soccer match against Atlanta, which ended in a 2-1 victory for his team.
Messi, who scored the equaliser in that game, missed three Miami matches before coming on as a substitute and scoring in the CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Jamaican side the Cavaliers last week.
“This morning, Messi underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to assess the level of discomfort in the adductor muscle of his thigh that he experienced during yesterday's match against Atlanta United,” the club said in a statement.
“The examination results confirmed the presence of a mild adductor injury. His clinical condition and response to treatment will determine his readiness for competition.”
Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer and most capped player, with 112 goals in 191 matches.
During this international window, World Cup winners can secure qualification for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Lionel Scaloni's side, who sit top of the South American table by five points, travel to second-placed Uruguay on Friday before hosting fifth-placed Brazil next Tuesday.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
