'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Lionel Messi has been ruled out from the friendly against Morocco on Tuesday due to an injury. The Moroccan Football Federation are frustrated and asked for an explanation in an official statement.
In case you didn't know...
Argentina's woes continued as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Venezuela. The Albiceste failed to register a win despite the fact that their talisman Lionel Messi was back with the National team.
Messi came back after missing six matches after the World Cup, ruling himself out in that tenure. The Argentine talisman was involved in the sole goal Martinez scored for a losing cause against Venezuela.
Meanwhile, Argentine legend, Diego Maradona came out and criticized the current team and management. Speaking in a recent interview, he said:
“I prefer not to watch horror films but I don’t know how the inept bunch who are in charge of Argentina thought they were going to beat Venezuela.”
Despite Messi's problems with the national team, the 31-year-old is enjoying another historic season with Barcelona with 39 goals and 21 assists in all competition so far.
The heart of the matter
On his return against Venezuela, Messi featured full 90 minutes but he was sent back to Barcelona due to an injury. The 31-year-old complained about a discomfort and was released from Argentina.
The Moroccan Football Federation is disappointed with the fact that Messi won't feature against them and they have demanded an explanation.
According to their official statement, Morocco complained that they had a contract which propels the Albiceste to field their best starting 11 against the side. It is obvious that they are not happy that the best player in Argentina will not play against them.
What's next?
Argentina will face Morocco before the players resume their respective roles for their clubs. This match will be their last friendly before the Copa America, which is scheduled to start on June 14.
Time is running out for Lionel Messi and co. to lift an international trophy in his glittering career as he is not getting any younger. The upcoming Copa America will be a perfect chance but Argentina needs to perform way better than they did against Venezuela.
Also See : Durand Cup, Durand Cup Schedule, Calcutta Football League
