Argentina fans will have to wait to see their captain Lionel Messi back in action for the national team. Messi has been ruled out of Argentina's upcoming friendly matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica due to a minor injury.

Focus on Recovery for Upcoming Copa America

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed Messi's absence on Monday. The forward sustained a right leg muscle injury during Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville last week. While the exact nature of the injury hasn't been disclosed, AFA reports it as a minor issue and expects a swift recovery.

This is a precautionary measure to ensure Messi is fully fit for the upcoming Copa America, which will be held in the United States this June. Argentina will be looking to defend their Copa America title and Messi's presence will be crucial for their campaign.

Argentina to Play Without Their Talisman

While Messi is out of Argentina friendly matches , it provides an opportunity for other players to stake their claim for a spot in the Copa America squad. Manager Lionel Scaloni will likely use these friendlies to experiment with different formations and tactics.

Argentina will play El Salvador on March 22nd in Philadelphia before taking on Costa Rica four days later in Los Angeles.

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