Lionel Messi did not participate in Argentina’s training session on Thursday, raising concerns that he is injured ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against winners France.
According to multiple sources, Messi is nursing an injury sustained in Tuesday’s 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia.
The former Barcelona player was spotted moving awkwardly and gripping his hamstring near the finish of the match against Croatia, but he was eager to allay any fears after the game, insisting he will be okay for the final.
His absence from training on Thursday should also not come as a surprise, though, as all players who started the fixture vs Croatia were given extra recovery and instead took part in a gym session, rather than out on the pitch.
ESPN Argentina report boss Lionel Scaloni split his squad into two separate groups, with one group being put through their paces out on the field, while the others did some conditioning inside.
Scaloni will be able to welcome back Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel for the final after both players missed the Croatia clash due to suspension. But it is the fitness of Messi which is no doubt of prime concern.