Lionel Messi to miss World Cup final rematch

Lionel Messi will not feature in Argentina's World Cup 2014 final friendly rematch with Germany, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed

Barcelona: Lionel Messi will not feature in Argentina's World Cup 2014 final friendly rematch with Germany, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed.


Lionel Messi 

The forward, who starred for the Albiceleste this summer in Brazil, featured throughout Barcelona's 1-0 win at Villarreal on Sunday but the club confirmed afterwards that he had picked up a knock at El Madrigal.

Barca's report to the AFA claimed: "The player suffered a muscle strain in his right hamstring and needs rest as a precaution."

Messi is not the only late withdrawal from Gerardo Martino's first match as Argentina boss for the clash with newly crowned World Champions Germany on Wednesday in Dusseldorf.

Albiceleste veteran Maxi Rodriguez suffered tightness in his hamstring, Inter striker Rodrigo Palacio's left ankle is bruised and Zenit defender Ezequiel Garay's left leg has been causing him muscular pain ahead of the international break, and all three players will miss out on the match.

Meanwhile, PSG's Ezequiel Lavezzi is still to be evaluated after complaining of backache.

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