Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela on Tuesday due to an existing groin injury, coach Edgardo Bauza and the Argentina FA confirmed on Friday.
Messi, who scored the Albiceleste's only goal in a 1-0 victory on Thursday against Uruguay, admitted that the injury was bothering him and told reporters that he would speak with doctors after the match.
Bauza confirmed to TyC Sports that playing his star forward was not worth the risk.
"Messi won't be able to play in the next match; there is inflammation in that groin injury and we must rest him," Bauza said following Friday's training session.
The AFA medical report said: "The captain of the national team is suffering from inguinocrural pain. As a result, he will not participate in the next World Cup qualifying match.
"This morning, Lionel Messi underwent medical and kinesiological treatment for the groin and thigh pain. It is recommended that he continue to rest from activity and will not play against Venezuela."
Messi made his return following a brief international retirement despite the injury, which Barcelona duly noted before the international break.
Messi admitted he played in pain on Thursday.
#Eliminatorias Lionel #Messi no viajará a #Venezuela https://t.co/iPGR1rUcqD pic.twitter.com/D1OlAdRBJs
- Selección Argentina (@Argentina) September 2, 2016
"I don't know if I can be there [versus Venezuela]. My groin hurts a lot," he told reporters. "It is messed up and it could get worse. I always want to play, but the truth is that the season is just starting and there are a lot of important matches ahead of us. I'll see what the doctor says and go by how I feel."
Argentina will train until Sunday in Buenos Aires before traveling to Merida, Venezuela. The national team secretary, Jorge Miadosqui, said the team are seeking security guarantees before making the trip due to the current political situation in Caracas.
Following the victory over Uruguay, Argentina now sit at the top of the qualifying table with 14 points while Venezuela are last with one point.