Lionel Messi is to be excused from Argentina's next international match in order to rest.
Argentina are due to play Mexico in a friendly on September 8, but after playing a pivotal role in Barcelona's treble-winning side last season and leading his country to the Copa America final earlier this month, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner will sit out the fixture.
"The relevant processes are in place to ensure that Leo is excused from the Mexico game so that he can get more rest if the match does go ahead," an official for the Argentine Football Association told AS.
Messi was reportedly left upset over criticism aimed towards him following Argentina's penalty-shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa America final, with some suggesting that he may take time away from international football.
Meanwhile, the game against Mexico is in an uncertain state due to it being organised by Full Play SA, a company owned by brothers Hugo and Mariano Jinkins, who are both currently under investigation for kickbacks to FIFA.
Miles Jolliffe
