Argentina have reportedly decided against calling up Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi for their upcoming March friendlies due to injury.

The reigning FIFA World Cup champions are due to play international fixtures later this month against El Salvador and Costa Rica, with Messi initially expected to be named in the Albiceleste’s squad.

However, a leg injury kept the 36-year-old attacker out of Messi’s most recent Herons fixture against DC United, with fears now growing over when the forward will be back to full fitness.

Argentina to pass on calling up Lionel Messi this month

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Now, according to Ole, Argentina have decided to not name Messi in their upcoming squad for this month’s international fixtures, with the forward expected to stay in Florida to recover.

Given the nature of the upcoming games Argentina will play coupled with Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals next month, Messi being rested makes sense for all parties involved.

The 36-year-old attacker will be gifted time to recover and to return to full fitness whilst Inter Miami gets that assurance that Messi will be fit in time to face Monterrey in early April.

Moreover, Messi getting rest this international break could help the attacker start consecutive games once again for Inter Miami, a prospect that will give the Herons a boost in their MLS playoff bid.

Lionel Messi update is massive for Inter Miami

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Inter Miami’s biggest priority this season is keeping Messi and fellow superstars fit and healthy, with rest needed if the Herons are to compete on all fronts this year.

And Argentina’s decision to not name Messi in their upcoming international squad is a huge boost for Inter Miami in their quest to win every piece of silverware, starting with the Champions Cup.

Indeed, Messi is easily the best player currently plying their trade in North America, and Inter Miami having the Argentine fit and healthy could give the Herons one hand on the trophy on it’s own.