Lionel Messi has been placed on the bench for Argentina due to concerns about his fitness.
The Inter Miami player, who has only played 35 minutes in the last month, was not deemed fully fit for the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday, which had generated significant anticipation.
Messi’s limited playing time in the past five matches is attributed to an injury he sustained on September 20 against MLS side Toronto FC.
In his most recent appearance, he appeared less than fully fit, but Inter Miami still fielded him in their pursuit of a postseason playoff spot.
Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain as Miami lost 1-0 to Cincinnati, ending their season aspirations.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has opted to have his iconic captain available on the bench for the match against Paraguay, with a likelihood that Messi will start in their next game against Peru on October 17.