ARGENTINA are worried over the fitness of star man Lionel Messi after he was spotted training alone just days before their first World Cup game.
Lionel Scaloni’s side trained in Qatar together but Messi was notably not involved sparking injury fears amongst fans.
The 35-year-old appeared for practice later than the rest of his teammates and took part in a one-on-one session with a coach rather than joining in with the full squad.
Marca report that Messi did “solo exercises” and did not touch the ball in his session but he will be okay for the team’s opening game.
Argentine journalist Gustavo Yarroch rushed to calm down worried supporters saying that the PSG star has a small calf issue and that he is reducing his workload to ensure he is fit to play.
And it is not the first time there has been doubts surrounding Messi’s fitness after he missed training completely earlier this week.
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His potential injury is somewhat ironic as a matter of days ago he was seen joking about picking up a knock with teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentina have since been affected by problems with Nico Gonzalez and Joaquin Correa both withdrawing due to injuries.
The Copa America champions’ first clash in Qatar is against Saudi Arabia in just three days time.
After that they face Mexico and Poland in Group C.
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Argentina are one of the favourites for the tournament and they will need Messi fit for the busy schedule of matches coming up in the next few weeks.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has suggested that he sees Brazil, France and England as the top nations to beat in the tournament.
The World Cup is one of few trophies that has alluded Messi in his glittering career and on route to potential victory he could play his 1,000th career match at the quarter-final stage.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
