Injured Lionel Messi ruled out of friendly against Germany

Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Wednesday's international friendly against World Cup winners Germany with a right-leg injury.

The Argentine Football Association said Monday that Messi will be held out of the game as a "precaution."

The match in Dusseldorf is a chance for Argentina to avenge a 1-0 loss to Germany in extra time in the World Cup final almost two months ago.

Barcelona said Messi was injured on Sunday in a 1-0 victory over Villarreal.

Messi scored four goals at the World Cup and was given the award as the tournament's best player.

AFA also ruled out three other players with injuries: defender Ezequiel Garay, midfielder Maxi Rodriguez and forward Rodrigo Palacio.

New Argentine coach Gerardo Martino has called up two players as replacements: midfielder Nicolas Gaitan and forward Erik Lamela.