Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on the wellbeing of star man and captain Lionel Messi, ahead of his side’s upcoming showdown with Bolivia.
For those who may have missed it, veteran attacker Messi sparked concern across the Argentine camp earlier this week.
This came upon the Inter Miami man being forced into a premature departure from the Albiceleste’s World Cup qualifying opener against Ecuador.
After netting the only goal of the game courtesy of a trademark free-kick late on, Messi subsequently requested to be hauled off.
Speaking post-match, the aforementioned Scaloni, in turn, confirmed that his talisman ‘felt something’ whilst on the pitch.
Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Photo by David Niviere/ABACAPRESS.COM Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
Speculation as to Messi’s availability for Argentina’s clash with Bolivia on Tuesday has, as a result, since been widespread.
And the tactician went on to reveal that a decision on Messi’s availability in La Paz will be made on Monday.
‘Messi is going to travel to Bolivia,’ Scaloni began. ‘Today he trained differently, but there are still 2 days left until the game and we will make the decision tomorrow whether he plays or not. The team is going to be similar to the one that played against Ecuador.’
Lionel Messi will travel with the Argentina squad to Bolivia for their World Cup qualifier with a late decision to be made on his involvement after ‘precautionary tests’ https://t.co/SIPEGLrq9V
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) September 10, 2023
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