Lionel Messi was substituted in the second half of Paris Saint-Germain's final match before the World Cup after appearing to clutch his thigh, sparking concerns over his fitness for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
Match Incident
The Argentine superstar, who is set to lead his country at the World Cup, was seen grabbing his left thigh during the match against Metz. He was replaced shortly after the hour mark, with PSG already leading 4-0. The substitution was described as precautionary by club officials, but the sight of Messi in discomfort has alarmed fans and the Argentine national team.
World Cup Implications
Messi's fitness is crucial for Argentina's World Cup campaign. The 35-year-old has been in excellent form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions for PSG. Argentina's first match in Group C is against Saudi Arabia on November 22. The team will be hoping that Messi's injury is minor and that he will be ready to play.
PSG manager Christophe Galtier said after the match: "Leo felt a little discomfort in his thigh. We didn't want to take any risks. He will have tests tomorrow to assess the extent of the problem."
Reactions
Fans and pundits have expressed concern on social media, with many hoping that Messi's injury is not serious. Argentina's World Cup hopes heavily rely on their captain's performance. The nation is eagerly awaiting updates on his condition.
Messi has previously struggled with muscle injuries, missing several games for PSG last season due to similar issues. However, he has managed to stay fit for major tournaments in the past, including the 2021 Copa America, which Argentina won.
The Argentine Football Association is in close contact with PSG's medical staff to monitor Messi's recovery. The player is expected to join the national team in Abu Dhabi for a training camp before heading to Qatar.
