Lionel Messi is expected to miss the next four friendly games for Argentina, according to local reports.
La Albiceleste endured a torrid World Cup campaign and exited at the second-round hurdle to France, resulting in Jorge Sampaoli’s dismissal.
It led to speculation that the Argentina captain, who scored just once against Nigeria in a below-par tournament, may possibly quit the international side given Messi previously retired after Argentina’s 2016 Copa America final defeat to Chile.
Argentina have two friendly games against Guatemala in Los Angeles on September 7 and then face Colombia in New York.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to miss both of those as well as two other friendly clashes, which have yet to be confirmed, before the end of 2018.
“Messi will not return this year and there are doubts about his future,” Argentinian daily Clarin reported.
Argentine news website Infobae says: “He will take a rest period, but that doesn’t mean he’s quitting.”
Argentina’s next big task is the Copa America in Brazil next summer, in what is another chance for Messi to finally win a major honour with his country.
Lionel Scaloni is temporary in charge of the South American giants.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
