Lionel Messi could be left out of Argentina’s friendly with Italy tonight.

Lionel Messi could be left out of Argentina’s friendly with Italy tonight. Barcelona star Messi was expected to start for manager Jorge Sampaoli at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

The 3-year-old remains the talisman of Argentina’s national side and Sampaoli wants to use this match as preparation for the World Cup this summer.

But reports in Spain suggest Messi may be rested for the friendly over fears of could be injured. According to Mundo Deportivo, Messi is more likely to miss the Italy game than play.

That is because Argentina’s coaches are worried the player is close to burn-out, having already played 47 games this season. The forward also flew to Argentina and back earlier this month to be at the birth of his child.

Sampaoli is yet to make a decision on Messi but the likelihood is he will be rested, in order to avoid provoking an injury.

Argentine newspaper Ole speculate Messi’s absence will see Giovani Lo Celso come into the starting XI.

PSG forward Lo Celso, currently on loan at Rosario, has just two international caps.

But he is seen as a credible stand-in for the Barcelona icon, with Paulo Dybala not called up to the squad.

Lionel Messi could be left out of Argentina’s friendly with Italy tonight. Barcelona star Messi was expected to start for manager Jorge Sampaoli at the Etihad Stadium this evening.

The 3-year-old remains the talisman of Argentina’s national side and Sampaoli wants to use this match as preparation for the World Cup this summer.

But reports in Spain suggest Messi may be rested for the friendly over fears of could be injured. According to Mundo Deportivo, Messi is more likely to miss the Italy game than play.

That is because Argentina’s coaches are worried the player is close to burn-out, having already played 47 games this season. The forward also flew to Argentina and back earlier this month to be at the birth of his child.

Sampaoli is yet to make a decision on Messi but the likelihood is he will be rested, in order to avoid provoking an injury.

Argentine newspaper Ole speculate Messi’s absence will see Giovani Lo Celso come into the starting XI.

PSG forward Lo Celso, currently on loan at Rosario, has just two international caps.

But he is seen as a credible stand-in for the Barcelona icon, with Paulo Dybala not called up to the squad.