Argentina injury crisis as Lionel Messi looks set to miss World Cup qualifier along with Sergio Aguero and Javier Pastore

LIONEL MESSI is doubtful for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela. and not the only one.

The Barcelona striker underwent tests on Monday, after admitting an injury was causing him pain, and was assessed with a sore left adductor muscle.

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The club said in a statement: "Tests conducted have confirmed that Lionel Messi has a sore Both the medical services of FC Barcelona and the AFA (Argentina Football Association) have agreed on this report."

"The player will travel to Argentina to join the national team and the evolution of the discomfort will decide his availability to play in the games scheduled."

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The Argentine superstar played but failed to score in Sunday's 1-0 La Liga win at Athletic Bilbao  - a Ivan Rakitic header offered boss Luis Enrique his 100th win in 126 games with the Catalans giants.

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Edgardo Bauza will take charge of Argentina for the first time when they host Uruguay in Mendoza on Thursday before the team travel to Venezuela for another qualifier five days later.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore are also ruled out with injuries.

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Earlier this month, Messi, who has scored 55 goals in 133 appearances for his country, reversed a decision to retire from the national team after they lost the Copa America final to Chile in a penalty shootout at the end of June.