Messi could miss World Cup qualifiers due to injury

Barcelona, Aug 30 (IANS) Spanish football champions FC Barcelona confirmed that Lionel Messi has suffered a hamstring injury which might keep the Argentine away from the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela.

Medical tests on Monday uncovered an issue with Messi's left hamstring, but he will travel to Argentina to link up with his team-mates and undergo further assessments.

Messi, who announced his international retirement after Argentina's Copa America loss to Chile, later on reversed his decision to quit after speaking with national head coach Edgardo Bauza, but he could miss the next few games over fitness issues.

"Leo Messi has hamstring trouble but is travelling to Argentina," Barcelona tweeted on Monday.

He had been expected to play against Uruguay on Saturday, with a game against Venezuela to follow on September 6.

Argentina are third in South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, with Friday's opponents Uruguay topping the CONMEBOL standings after six fixtures.

--IANS

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