Lionel Messi explains Argentina absence

Lionel Messi has revealed that concerns over a slight injury forced him to sit out Argentina's international friendly with Italy at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Messi travelled with the Argentina squad to Manchester, but the Barcelona forward was spotted in one of the stadium's executive boxes as he watched his nation record a 2-0 victory over the Italians.

The 30-year-old has said that he 'always feels like playing', but did not want to risk aggravating an injury in a match of little significance.

"I always feel like playing but there is a long way to the World Cup. I always want to play, but I came here with discomfort," Messi told reporters.

Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini scored the goals for an Argentina side that will continue their preparations for the 2018 World Cup with a trip to Spain on Tuesday night.