Argentina talisman Lionel Messi has, on Saturday night, spoken publicly on the recent speculation that he has been struggling with an ankle injury.
For those not aware, chatter surrounding Messi’s wellbeing took its place front and centre in the headlines across Argentina in the week leading up to the Albiceleste’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.
This came amid widespread claims that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was struggling with an ongoing ankle concern.
Some outlets even went as far as to suggest that Messi was training separately from the rest of Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
Lionel Messi’s incredible goal for your viewing pleasure 😍
Sit back, relax and enjoy the greatest to ever do it 🐐pic.twitter.com/haej4JRwTF
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 26, 2022
Despite such speculation, the veteran attacker, of course, has since gone on to play a starring role for his country in Qatar, playing a direct hand in all three of their goals to date (2 goals & 1 assist).
Speaking after leading Argentina to a vital downing of Mexico on Saturday evening, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his fitness was put to Messi himself.
“I don’t know why they talk so much about my injury,” Messi began. “They talk about my ankle and the truth is I don’t have anything, I had nothing all week. I trained normally, as well as the group, I never trained alone.”
🇦🇷Leo Messi, sobre su tobillo izquierdo
🤔 “No sé por qué se dijeron tantas cosas. Se habló del tobillo durante toda la semana y yo no tenía nada, me lo doblé en el último minuto de partido pero después entrené normal. Hoy hice el esfuerzo que tenía que hacer”
📻 #COPEMundial pic.twitter.com/HulXoB3mTK
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) November 26, 2022
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