Lionel Messi’s return to international football has got off to the worst possible start after the Barcelona talisman picked up an injury in Friday’s shock 3-1 defeat to Venezuela.
The 31-year-old ended his self-imposed exile – since Argentina exited last summer’s World Cup at the round of 16 stage – to take part in the friendly at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano.
However, following a low-key performance, the Argentine football federation revealed that Messi is set to miss next week’s friendly with Morocco due to a groin injury.
Newcatle striker Salomon Rondon and Jhon Murillo ensured Argentina headed into the break 2-0 down on the occasion of Messi’s 129th cap.
Though Inter Milan youngster Lautaro Martinez halved the deficit, Josef Martinez’s penalty made for an emphatic win for Venezuela.
Argentina will next play Morocco on Tuesday as they ramp up preparations for the Copa America, to be held in Brazil between June and July.