Argentina forward Lionel Messi will not play against Spain, Mundo Deportivo has reported ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly.

The 30-year-old missed Friday’s win over Italy with a hamstring injury and it looks like the maestro’s problem hasn’t fully healed.

On Monday, coach Jorge Sampaoli said that the Barcelona legend would only play in the clash at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium if he was fully fit.

“Messi trained with the group normally so he is available to play. If there was a risk, Leo would have said so,” Sampaoli told a press conference.

“Before the game against Italy Leo said he could not play. But he has trained the last two days. We will define the starting XI later,” he added.

More to follow…