Lionel Messi has not been named in Argentina's squad for their CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle strain. 

Messi was named to the initial 33-player roster despite concerns over his physical status, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner having missed three matches for Inter Miami due to load management. 

He returned to action against Cavalier FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 series, before returning to MLS action on Sunday. 

Messi scored upon his return for Miami in their 2-1 win over Atlanta United, scoring his first league goal of the season with a brilliant dinked finish over Brad Guzan. 

He had been expected to make the latest squad after playing a full 90 minutes against Atlanta, but he did not make the cut on Monday. 

Argentina boast a five-point lead at the summit of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, and travel to second-placed Uruguay on Friday. 

They then take on Brazil, who are fifth in the table, on March 25, with the Selecao without Neymar, who was expected to return to the national side but has pulled out with injury.