Lionel Messi takes his family to the movies while sidelined for Barcelona and Argentina with groin injury

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Lionel Messi made the most of missing Argentina's 2018 World Cup qualifying fixtures by taking his family out to the cinema instead.

The Barcelona superstar retired from international football this summer following Argentina's third consecutive final loss before backtracking in August and announcing his decision to return to the international fold.

However, the Albiceleste will be without their talisman for the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay as Messi recovers from a groin injury he suffered playing against Atletico Madrid last month.

Lionel Messi takes a trip to the cinema with partner Antonella Roccuzzo (left) and son Thiago

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza watches his players - but Messi will miss World Cup qualifiers with Peru and Paraguay with a groin injury

Messi has not played since picking up the injury against Atletico Madrid on September 21

The 29 year-old took the opportunity to relax with his family as he concentrates on making a return for both club and country - with his long-term partner Antonella Roccuzzo sharing an Instagram picture of them, including young son Thiago, from what appears to be an empty cinema.

Without Messi, Barcelona have sunk to fourth in La Liga following a shock 4-3 loss away to Celta Vigo.

As for Argentina, they too struggled in their last game without their all-time top scorer. Edgardo Bauza's side could only manage a 2-2 draw with Venezuela after 90 minutes, having initially gone 2-0 down.

Argentina currently sit in third place in the South American World Cup qualifying table equal on points with second place Brazil and one point behind Uruguay who take the top spot.

The 29-year-old retired from international football before backtracking in August

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero is likely to lead Argentina's attack in Messi's absence