Lionel Messi Battling Injury Ahead Of World Cup Final? Here's What You Need To Know

Fans all over the world had hearts in their mouths when Lionel Messi was spotted grasping at his hamstring towards the end of Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup semi-final match.

Messi was not present for Argentina's opening training session. His absence on the pitch sparked fears among his fans, raising doubts over his fitness.

Argentina vs France - FIFA World Cup 2022: There are some serious concerns over whether Argentina's talisman, Lionel Messi, is fit for Sunday's high-octane World Cup final against France. Messi-starrer Argentina secured a berth in FIFA WC Final final for football's grand prize by thumping Croatia 3-0 in Tuesday's semi-final at Qatar's Lusail. But fans all over the world had hearts in their mouths when Messi was spotted grasping at his hamstring towards the end of that match. When Messi was asked about his injury, he told reporters that he will be fully fit to take on France in Sunday's World Cup final. Notably, Messi was not present for Argentina's opening training session. His absence on the pitch sparked fears among his fans, raising doubts over his fitness.

As per a report in mirror.co.uk, Lionel Messi was instead working in the gym, alongside Emiliano Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul. The report suggests that these three players were given recovery time as they started the fixture against Croatia.

Lionel Messi confirms retirement?

Lionel Messi has reportedly confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2022 final will be his last game for Argentina. Local media reports from Argentina carried this report.

"I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final," Messi has reportedly told Argentine media outlet Diario Deportivo Ole.

"It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best," he added.

Post Argentina's historic win over Croatia in 2022 FIFA WC semis, Messi told his teammates to cherish and enjoy the "spectacular" occasion.

"Argentina are, once again, in the World Cup final. Enjoy it!" Messi reportedly said after the game.

"We've been through tough situations, other very good ones. Today we're experiencing something spectacular," he stated.