Lionel Messi Breaks Silence On Injury Concerns Ahead Of Argentina's WC Opener Vs Saudi Arabia

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: Lionel Messi, playing his career's fifth and most likely last World Cup, hit back at reports doubting his fitness.

Messi rubbished reports about being injured, asserting that he is absolutely fit and ready to play for Argentina in its WC opener on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi-led Argentina will start their 2022 FIFA World Cup quest on 22nd November, with a match against Saudi Arabia. There were speculations and media reports, suggesting that Argentina suffered a huge injury scare in form of Lionel Messi, raising doubts on his fitness. However, the legendary Argentine has put an end to all such baseless rumors ahead of Argentina vs Saudi Arabia 2022 WC match. Messi, playing his career's fifth and most likely last World Cup, hit back at reports doubting his fitness.

Speaking to reporters on eve of his team's opening match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi rubbished reports about being injured, asserting that he is absolutely fit and ready to play for Argentina in its WC opener on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia.

"I have no issues whatsoever. I heard there were rumors about having to miss part of the training or training a part of the training, no, it's just precautions. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary," Messi told reporters while addressing the traditional pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

Breaking his silence on retirement rumors, Messi also hinted that 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar might just be the last time he is playing for Argentina in the marquee tournament.

"I haven't done anything different, I just took care of myself. I have worked as I have done throughout my entire career. This is a special moment, most likely my last World Cup. My last opportunity to make my dream, our dream a reality," Messi added.

Argentina vs Saudi Arabia Possible Line Ups

Argentina Predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna; Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul; Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria; Lautaro Martinez.

Saudi Arabia Predicted XI: Mohammed Al Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Alamri, Ali Albulayhi, Yasir Al Shahrani; Feras Albirakan, Mohammed Kanno, Abdulelah Almaki, Salem Al Dawsari; Salman Al Faraj, Saleh Al Shehri.