Most predicted lineups had the 30-year-old talisman featuring in attack for Albicelesti but the official list that was released prior to the start of the game confirmed that the player will not be available for the clash with Italy - at least not for the first part.
Lionel Messi is believed to have picked up a slight muscular discomfort in Thursday’s training and was immediately ruled out of the impending encounter although there was the condition that he might make the squad provided he passed the fitness test prior to the game.
Speaking to TyC Sports in the build up to the game, Messi declared:
"I always want to play but there's still a long way until the World Cup."
Leo Messi en @LiberoTyC: "Siempre tengo ganas de jugar pero todavía queda un camino muy largo hasta el Mundial" pic.twitter.com/oZo8A3vAFE
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) March 23, 2018
His named was featured among the substitutes but there are still doubts that he will play any role in the match. In his place, PSG’s Lo Celso was given the nod to feature in attack with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Angel Di Maria, and Gonzalo Higuain.
#VamosArgentina Formación de @Argentina para enfrentar a Italia en el Etihad Stadium. pic.twitter.com/lWPotVxMeC
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) March 23, 2018
Here are what some fans had to say regarding the player’s exclusion from the game:
Must be some sort of joke putting messi on the bench only come to watch him
— Jamieee (@jamie_symonds) March 23, 2018
Messi better play second half at least
— Thomas caroselli (@caroselli_07) March 23, 2018
Got to say I am disappointed that Messi has been ruled out of this game, takes a little off this trip to Manchester but always a pleasure to watch the Azzurri play...
— Elio Salerno (@eliosalerno87) March 23, 2018
I bet Messi didn't Want to Play At City's Stadium. No Fake Hopes
— ᴛᴇʀ sᴛᴇɢᴇɴ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴀɢᴀɴᴅᴀ (@MrsStegen1) March 23, 2018
Let’s see how these Argentine frauds manage to play this game without Messi.
— fabiano™ (@TempoOfXavi) March 23, 2018
Messi on the bench according to team sheet, but "zero chance" he will play against Italy tonight, according to those within the Argentina camp. Feel for those who bought tickets to see him in action in Manchester #Argentina #Italy
— David McDonnell (@DiscoMirror) March 23, 2018