Buenos Aires, March 23: Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's friendly against Morocco because of a groin injury, the country's football federation has said.

The 31-year-old felt pain after completing the full 90 minutes of Argentina's 3-1 defeat by Venezuela in Madrid, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a statement the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said Messi suffered an 'exacerbation' of an existing pubis problem.

It was the Barcelona forward's first match for the Albiceleste since the team's 4-3 defeat to France last June in the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia. Lionel Messi Scores Spectacular Hat-Trick to Power Barcelona to 4-1 Win Over Real Betis (Watch Video).

Attacking midfielder Gonzalo Martinez has also been ruled out of Tuesday's match in Tangier after suffering a hamstring injury, the AFA said.

Newcastle United forward Salomon Rondon gave Venezuela an early lead at the Wanda Metropolitano and Jhon Murillo made it 2-0 on the stroke of halftime.

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored just before the hour mark for Argentina but Josef Martinez converted a late penalty to secure a memorable win for the Vinotinto.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 23, 2019 02:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).