Messi left out of Argentina squad for Brazil friendly

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Lionel Messi was again left out of the Argentina squad on Friday ahead of friendly games against Iraq and arch-rivals Brazil in October.

Argentina's interim coach Lionel Scaloni recalled Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi but did not call up the Barcelona captain who endured another frustrating World Cup this summer.

Manchester City record goal-scorer Sergio Aguero, AC Milan striker Gonzalo Higuain and Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria were also omitted by Scaloni.

Juan Quintero (R) dribbles past Exequiel Palacios as Messi-less Argentina play out a goalless draw with Colombia, September 11, 2018. /VCG Photo

Messi sit out the 3-0 friendly victory against Guatemala and a goalless draw with Colombia earlier this month with Scaloni insisting the 31-year-old playmaker deserves a long and overdue rest.

"I would give him space to breathe and I would tell him 'play in Europe and stop travelling so you don't get tired anymore'," Scaloni said.

He shouldn't play in friendlies just because the national team earns more with him," he added. "Messi shouldn't be moving around for money."

Incidentally, Messi's Portuguese nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo was also not called up for his country's recent international matches at his own request.

Messi looks visibly crestfallen by Barcelona's meek performance against Leganes, September 26, 2018. /VCG Photo

In midweek action, Ronaldo's Juventus extended their winning run with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bologna while Messi's Barcelona collapsed to a shock defeat, as they lost 2-1 to Leganes away from home.

Messi was a constant threat throughout the game, but he could not stop Barca from ruining their perfect start to the season. His opportunity to rebound comes on Saturday as they face Athletic Bilbao at home.