Messi: 'I really wanted to play, but I need to rest'
Football star Lionel Messi has expressed disappointment at being forced to miss Argentina's crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor injury.
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers this month after suffering a groin strain in Inter Miami's victory over Atlanta at the weekend, his club confirmed on Monday.
"I'm sad to miss these important games against Uruguay and Brazil," Messi admitted. "I really wanted to play, but a small injury means I need to rest for a bit, so I can't be there."
The Argentina captain has been managing a heavy workload in recent weeks, with Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano previously resting him to avoid injury after a gruelling schedule in Major League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Despite his absence, Messi made it clear he will still be fully behind his teammates: "I'll be supporting and cheering from here like any other fan. Let's go, Argentina."