Lionel Messi leaves Argentina friendly with injury ahead of Copa America

Lionel Messi left an Argentina friendly match against Honduras with an apparent injury just a week before the start of the Copa America

The Copa America: Centenario is just a week away from beginning as the first match of Round 1 will be played on Friday, June 3. As is the case with any tournament that they’re playing in, Lionel Messi and Argentina are unquestionably one of the favorites in the tournament. However, that might not be the case so much if they’re without Messi, which they might be after a friendly match on Friday night against Honduras.

Though Argentina picked up the 1-0 victory in the friendly match, Lionel Messi was forced off the pitch prematurely in the second half after he took a knee to the body. He came off at the 64th minute and there were reports from the match that he was holding his back in pain after coming off.

Messi has had a rough bout with injuries over the past year as he missed several weeks in the heart of the La Liga season with Barcelona due to an MCL injury. Though there’s no word, this certainly isn’t a good look for him or Argentina this close to the Copa America.

If there’s one silver lining, this could have been a precautionary exit for Messi on Friday. Moreover, Argentina don’t play their first match in the tournament until June 6, which gives Messi a few more days to hopefully recover from any ailments. Regardless, this is something to keep an eye on.

For all your Copa America coverage, stay up to date with the FanSided Soccer hub.