The muscle injury that has sidelined Argentine Lionel Messi from the latest MLS match with Inter Miami against DC United raises doubts about his availability for the Albiceleste's tour in the United States during the March FIFA window.

Although the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has not issued official information, both fans and local media consider the absence of the Albiceleste captain in the upcoming matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica, scheduled as preparation for the next Copa America, where Argentina defends the title obtained in Brazil in 2021, to be almost certain.

VIDEO | Luis Suárez Seal Inter Miami Comeback With a Brace

The injury to his right hamstring, confirmed after Messi had to leave the match against Nashville last Wednesday, could prevent his participation in the friendlies against the Central American teams.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino addressed the issue in the post-match press conference, emphasizing that his priority is to ensure that Lionel Messi is fit for the quarterfinal match of the Concacaf Champions League.

"The injury, beyond today's absence, needs to be managed on a week-to-week basis. We take advantage of having complete weeks, and we will be evaluating it continuously," Martino explained, adding, "As for the national team issue, it seems to me that it is up to the people from the national team to speak."

Argentina has scheduled matches against El Salvador on March 22 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and against Costa Rica on the 26th at the Los Angeles Coliseum, as part of their preparation for the Copa America.

In addition to Messi, the injury of Paulo Dybala has also been confirmed, who will join the list of absences from Lionel Scaloni's initial squad. The coach has included Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez, despite his knee ligament injury in February. Scaloni also called up Boca Juniors center-back Nicolás Valentini in place of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.