In a statement posted on X, Argentina confirmed that the forward would not be in the squad after sustaining a “minor” injury to his hamstring.

Messi sustained the injury playing for Inter Miami during their Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville.

The 36 year-old scored in the 23rd minute of his side’s 3-1 victory over its MLS rival on Thursday, but was replaced five minutes after the break and was not in the squad for the subsequent league meeting against DC United.

“The captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi, will not be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in USA due to a minor injury to the hamstring of his right leg, suffered in his team’s Inter Miami CF match against Nashville SC,” an Argentina statement read.

Argentina will play two friendlies this month, starting with El Salvador on Sunday before playing Costa Rica the  Thursday afterwards.