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Lionel Messi to Miss Argentina's October Friendlies vs. Brazil, Iraq

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's friendly against Brazil on Oct. 16 in Saudi Arabia.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's friendly against Brazil on Oct. 16 in Saudi Arabia.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Monday that Messi will not be called for the brief tour. He will also miss the other friendly in Saudi Arabia against Iraq on Oct. 11.

Scaloni, the interim national coach until January, said Argentina was focusing on blooding younger players.

Messi has made no public comments about his decision to be left out of the Argentina squad, which he hasn't played for since the World Cup.

Gabriel Jesus Returns, Douglas Costa Out for Brazil Squad vs. Saudi Arabia, Argentina

Messi was also absent from Argentina's two-match tour of the United States this month.

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