Lionel Messi ruled out of Argentina squad for friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica as fresh injury update offered on Inter Miami superstar

Argentina have offered an injury update on captain Lionel Messi and confirmed he will miss friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica over the international break due to a hamstring injury picked up playing for Inter Miami.

The forward has missed the past two games for Inter Miami, and as a result, will continue rehabbing in South Beach.

A statement read: "The captain of Argentina Lionel Messi, will not be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in USA due to a minor injury to the hamstring of his right leg suffered in his team's Inter Miami's match against Nashville SC."

Herons boss Tata Martino hinted that the eight-time Ballon d'Or would miss the March friendlies, admitting that he himself wanted to take 'no risks' with his superstar. He does, however, have an intended return date for the Argentine, with the goal being that he is fit and healthy to start their CONCACAF Champions Cup against Liga MX powerhouse CF Monterrey on Tuesday, April 2.

He will continue his rehabilitation process with Inter Miami as he looks to recover from the hamstring injury. With a match on March 23, it's likely that he will miss at least one more clash for the Herons. However, Martino has a goal in mind for his return, now it's just a race to be fit for the clash.