Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi will skipper Argentina in a marquee friendly against arch-rival Brazil at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia on Friday (June 9).

However, Messi's team-mate at club level, Neymar, will not feature, having been left out of the Brazilian squad by coach Tite along with starters Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquihos, Inter Milan centre-back Miranda, Real Madrid left-back Marcelo and Juventus right-back Dani Alves.

Neymar is currently in the United States in his personal capacity, and recently appeared on US talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", attempting a trick shot from the rooftop of American TV host Jimmy Kimmel's home in New York.

After Friday's friendly, Brazil will play against the Socceroos, while Argentina will travel to Singapore for a match against the Lions next Tuesday (June 13) at the National Stadium.

Messi will not line-up for the Albiceleste in Singapore as the star forward will be returning to Argentina to prepare for his June 30 wedding to Antonella Roccuzzo after the Brazil friendly.

World No. 2 Argentina currently sit fifth in the South American World Cup 2018 qualifiers, with Brazil topping the group.