Argentina will miss Lionel Messi when they face Brazil in a friendly in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday but goalkeeper Sergio Romero says they will settle for no less than a win.

“I would love Messi to be here because that would give us a boost in quality,” said Romero.

“Adding the best in the world would be best for the future of the national team.”

Messi is on an indefinite hiatus since Argentina’s World Cup round of 16 elimination in the summer.

“I haven’t spoken to him since the World Cup, but I hope his absence is only short-term. Hopefully he’s just taking a rest,” added Romero.

“Every time Argentina play, we have to win. And when playing against Brazil, even in a friendly, we still have to win and play our way, which is what the coach is asking of us,” added Romero.

“Here we have a new group of players and we’ll try to do our best for the team.”