However, the Argentina captain will not travel with the team to Merida where they face Venezuela in another round of regional qualifiers, coach Edgardo Bauza said on Friday. The AFA confirmed the decision, announcing on its website (www.afa.com.ar) that it had been taken after tests on Messi's groin in the morning. "He has been told to rest and won't play against Venezuela," it said, with media reporting that Messi would fly directly back to his club Barcelona at the weekend. Important matches"My groin is hurting a lot, from before this match," Messi told reporters after the win. Messi is now back gunning for a fourth World Cup appearance in Russia in 2018 with Argentina heading the 10-nation group with 14 points from seven matches.

Source: bd News24 September 02, 2016 18:22 UTC