Argentina's Messi named to bench vs. Italy; Aguero out with knee knock

Supporters hoping to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester will have to wait after the Barcelona superstar was named to the bench for Argentina's friendly against Italy on Friday.

Meanwhile, local hero Sergio Aguero had to withdraw from the squad as the Manchester City forward continues to recover from a knee problem, the Argentine national team announced hours before kick-off.

Argentina will take on Spain in another international friendly Tuesday at Atletico Madrid's new Wanda Metropolitano home.