Messi in doubt for World Cup qualifiers

Barcelona say that Lionel Messi has hurt his left hamstring and may not play in Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Messi will travel to join the Argentina squad, but his "presence in his country's World Cup qualifying matches will depend on how the injury develops," Barcelona say.

The club statement says the medical report confirming the injury was jointly approved by their medical staff and the Argentine football federation.

Argentina host Uruguay on September 1 and play at Venezuela on September 6.

Barcelona reported the injury a day after Messi played throughout their 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league.