Lionel Messi was given the day off from training ahead of the World Cup final amid fears that the forward might have a hamstring injury.
Fears have grown that the 35-year-old might not be fit enough to play on Sunday afternoon when Argentina take on France for the final. The Paris Saint-Germain ace was seen clutching his hamstring during the 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday.
And those worries will only heighten amid news that Lionel Scaloni has given Messi time off ahead of the France clash. However, the Albiceleste boss also gave the rest of the starting XI that faced Croatia the day off.
Foot Mercato have reported that Messi has experienced discomfort in his hamstring. However, it will take more than that to stop the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner from playing in the World Cup final.
Much of the nation’s hopes rest on the forward, who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament in Qatar this winter. Messi is in the running for the Golden Boot after netting five – the same amount as Kylian Mbappe for France.