Injury Scare As Lionel Messi’s Swollen Ankle Raises Concern for Argentina

• Lionel Messi seems to have a swollen ankle as the South Americans prepare to face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday
• Although the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner trained normally with his teammates, a video of his right ankle has raised doubts about his condition
• This is Messi's fifth World Cup appearance for Argentina, having featured for the South American country in four of their last World Cups

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi trained normally with his Argentina teammates ahead of their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.

As the reigning Copa America champions begin their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, November 22, bookmakers have tipped them to advance from their group which also comprises Mexico and Poland.

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Messi will lead La Albiceste into his fifth and what looks like his final appearance at the World Cup against the Falcons at the Lusail Stadium.

However, a video posted on Twitter, sighted by Sports Brief, has revealed the Argentine phenomenon's swollen ankle which rises tension for the team.

As reported by Marca, Messi's ankle swelling is the result of a bandage that contains frozen gel as part of a cryotherapy treatment to prevent the need for painkillers.

And there is no official statement from the Argentina Football team as their captain displayed no signs of discomfort. This seems to suggest that Messi will start in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

Messi made his debut for Argentina, aged just 17, against Paraguay in a friendly clash.

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He went on to score once and provided two assists in Argentina's 8–0 victory and was subsequently included in the squad for the South American Youth Championship in Colombia in 2005.

Messi to quit Argentina after World Cup

Meanwhile, Messi has hinted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is his last.

At 35 years of age, the Barcelona legend knows too well that he has entered the sunset years of his football career.

And speaking ahead of Argentina's Group C opener against Saudi Arabia, Messi suggested that he is unlikely to take part in the next World Cup set for 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the legendary forward, the Qatar edition of the global football showpiece represents the best chance for him to conquer the world.

Messi's doctor wants Argentina crashed out

Sports Brief earlier reported that Lionel Messi’s doctor, Diego Schwarzstein, has said that he doesn't want Argentina to win a single game at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

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Messi will be hoping to lead his country to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, having already won the tournament in 1978 and 1986.

The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.