Injury concerns over Lionel Messi’s fitness have been played down, after the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner did not join the rest of the Argentina squad in training on Thursday.
The 35-year-old starred as the South American side progressed to the final of the 2022 World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday night, with the winger breaking the deadlock to score Argentina’s first goal from the penalty spot.
Concerns were raised over his fitness, as Messi was seen clutching his hamstring in the later stages of the game, but according to Argentine news agency Clarin, the PSG superstar has no issues and is ready to play in the final against France.
Photographers gathered to take pictures of Lionel Scaloni’s side as they prepared for their mouthwatering World Cup final match against France on Sunday, but their No 10 was nowhere to be seen.
And according to Clarin, Messi was inside completing a recovery session, along with Papu Gomez, Lautaro Martinez and other players who started on Tuesday.
Messi has been a key figure for Argentina during the World Cup, picking up four man of the match awards from the six games he’s played in, while returning four goals and three assists to help his national side reach the final.
