The South Americans meet Joachim Low's men this week less than two months after their 1-0 defeat to Germany at the World Cup showpiece in Rio de Janeiro.
Wednesday's clash serves as the perfect opportunity for new Argentina coach Gerardo Martino to make a strong first impression as they build towards next year's Copa America.
Martino was appointed following the resignation of Alejandro Sabella after the World Cup, but faces the most difficult of tasks if he is to get his tenure off to a winning start.
And Martino and Argentina's hopes of victory in Dusseldorf have been hit by the absence of Messi, who played under the 51-year-old at Barcelona last season and will be out of action due to a hamstring strain.
The 27-year-old has been withdrawn from the squad as a precaution and is not the only the key player unavailable to Martino.
In addition, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and defender Shkodran Mustafi were not considered fit enough to be named in the squad for the game at the Esprit Arena.
"We have to hit the ground running," Neuer said.
"We have to have a good match against Argentina to prepare for Scotland because the team will be slightly different.
"It is very important for us to start our qualifiers with a win over Scotland on Sunday."
