Lionel Messi absent from Argentina training amid ‘hamstring problem’
Lionel Messi was given the day off from training ahead of the World Cup final amid fears that the forward might have a hamstring injury.
Fears have grown that the 35-year-old might not be fit enough to play on Sunday afternoon when Argentina take on France for the final. The Paris Saint-Germain ace was seen clutching his hamstring during the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
And those worries will only heighten amid news that Lionel Scaloni has given Messi time off ahead of the France clash. However, the Albiceleste boss also gave the rest of the starting XI that faced Croatia the day off.
READ MORE: Fans warn Lionel Messi he 'faces PSG sack from Kylian Mbappe' if Argentina beat France
Foot Mercato have reported that Messi has experienced discomfort in his hamstring. However, it will take more than that to stop the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner from playing in the World Cup final.
Much of the nation's hopes rest on the forward, who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament in Qatar this winter. Messi is in the running for the Golden Boot after netting five – the same amount as Kylian Mbappe for France.
Argentina have plenty of attacking wealth including Angel di Maria, Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez – as well as Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez who has scored four times despite playing a smaller role.
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But without Messi, France would go into the final as overwhelming favourites where the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud have proved pivotal, as well as their superstar Mbappe.
After the Croatia win, Messi said: Speaking after the win over Croatia, he said: "I feel really good, I feel strong and ready to play each game. It’s not easy as we arrived tired but the group gained strength again and we played a strong game.
"I am enjoying this a lot. I feel very happy in this World Cup and I am able to help the squad."
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