Lionel Messi explains decision to bench Lionel Messi for Argentina's friendly game against Venezuela

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has disclosed the reason for Lionel Messi's absence from his side's friendly game against Venezuela in Miami. The 38-year-old was not picked in the 23-man squad for the match against their fellow South Americans at the Hard Rock Stadium despite being invited for this month's internationals.

In a conversation with reporters, Scaloni said that his wish to try a two-striker system with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez was the key reason for Messi's absence. He mentioned that Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez was also waiting for his chance, and so he decided to leave Messi out.

“I decided that Leo (Messi) wouldn’t play. I wanted to see Lautaro (Martínez) and Julián (Álvarez), and we also had Flaco López on the bench, who we’ll also be seeing soon", he said (via Mundo Albiceleste).

Lionel Messi was sidelined for the second Argentina match in September's international window against Ecuador, and he was given rest once more against Venezuela. He was at the stadium with his family, watching on as his teammates emerged victorious without him. The Inter Miami player is expected to return for their friendly against Puerto Rico at the Chase Stadium, his home ground in the MLS.

Argentina showed that they did not require Messi to clinch a win in Miami, with Laurtaro Martinez assisting Giovani Lo Celso to score the only goal in the match. The world champions ran out of comfortable 1-0 winners and will now turn their focus towards Tuesday's meeting with Puerto Rico.

Argentina make Lionel Messi concession for MLS match

Argentina have given skipper Lionel Messi permission to take part in Inter Milan's MLS match against Atlanta United on Saturday, as per reports. The 38-year-old was picked in Argentina's squad for this month's matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, but was not present from the squad against the South American team.

A report from Bolavip Argentina has disclosed that Messi will be part of the Inter Miami squad against Atlanta United to guide his team's seeding chances in the playoffs. The forward is also in the hunt for the MLS golden boot, as he is tied with Denis Bouanga on 24 goals in the league this season.