Argentina may have to cope without Lionel Messi for tonight’s friendly with Italy with reports flying about that the Barcelona star is a doubt due to injury.

The rumours appear to have originated from TyC Sports in Argentina who state that Messi will only play if he is feeling 100% fit and that he felt some discomfort.

Mundo Deportivo are also on the case and cite a report from Argentinian newspaper Ole who reckon that he has “slight muscular fatigue in the adductor area.”

Messi apparently hasn’t been ruled out of the game yet and there’s a suggestion he could start but come off early.

Of course if he is carrying a problem it seems crazy to risk him at all in what is essentially a meaningless friendly.

Although Ernesto Valverde has opted to rest Messi on the odd occasion this season he has still featured in 38 games in all competitions for Barcelona.

Barcelona also have a really busy April and will need Messi at his best when he returns from his time with Argentina. The club have a Copa del Rey final to think about, Champions League games with Roma and important La Liga fixtures.

Let’s hope the problem, whatever is it, is not too serious and that he returns from international duty unscathed.