(Reuters) - Lionel Messi will not lead Argentina against Italy in Wednesday's friendly in Rome after pulling out with muscle fatigue, Argentine media reported.
Rumours of Messi's absence before the rival teams had an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican were confirmed by Guillermo Tofoni, who arranges Argentina's friendly matches, La Nacion reported on its sports website (www.canchallena.lanacion.com.ar).
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