• World Cup 2022

Lionel Messi sets the record straight on World Cup injury ‘rumors’

Lionel Messi
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The Argentina captain has eased fears over his fitness after missing parts of training sessions.

Lionel Messi has played down ‘rumors’ about his fitness ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old forward didn’t show up for parts of training sessions due to an alleged ankle problem, which quickly sprouted fears over his availability for the Group C clash at the Lusail Stadium.

“I’m feeling well,” Messi said in a press conference on Monday. “I am very well physically and I feel in good condition. I think I come here in really good form, both personally and physically.

“There are no issues whatsoever. I heard there were rumors of having to miss part of training or be away from the team because of a blow, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

‘It is most likely my last World Cup’

Qatar 2022 will be the fifth time that Messi has played in a World Cup, and considering he will be 39 when the 2026 World Cup starts, this could very well be his last appearance in the tournament.

“I’m aware it’s a very special moment,” the Paris Saint-Germain star added.

“It’s most likely my last World Cup and the last opportunity to make my dream a reality. I’m really happy and really excited and I want to try to enjoy this World Cup.

“I think age as well makes you see things differently. Maybe now I give more importance to small details because before I didn’t do it. I’ll try now to focus more on the details and today enjoying it is more important.”

Argentina enter the World Cup looking to win the tournament for the first time since 1986.

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