Messi misses Argentina training ahead of France clash

Argentina captain Lionel Messi reportedly missed training today ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against France, according to Foot Mercato.

Messi pulled up in the semi-final game against Croatia early on but battled through it. The former Barcelona man delivered a superb performance against the Europeans.

However, there were moments when he held the back of his thigh or jogged tentatively. The French outlet believes the hamstring injury kept him absent from training today.

The world now holds its breath to see if the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will return for subsequent sessions.

Messi has been his side’s talisman in Qatar. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker has won four man-of-the-match awards at the World Cup – no one has more.

The 35-year-old is also top of the scoring chart and leads in big chances created. Despite Messi’s age and weary body, he has arguably been the best player at the World Cup.

Messi scored one and assisted one in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Croatia to book their place in the final. He did the same in the quarter-final, but the Netherlands equalised to take the tie to penalties.

The forward scored in the round of 16 to register his first knockout goal at his fourth World Cup.

In the group stage, Saudi Arabia opened their campaign with a shock win over the Albiceleste. Messi opened the scoring, but Saudi Arabia bounced back to seal a memorable victory.

It sparked Lionel Scaloni’s side. They pragmatically dispatched Mexico 2-0, with Messi scoring and setting up Enzo Fernandez. They then beat Poland to secure passage to the next round.

Messi is his side’s great hope of overcoming France in the final. The Europeans are the reigning World Champions and Nations League title holders.

The last time both sides faced in the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe was in devastating form and helped send Argentina packing. It was a thrilling game and ended 4-3 as France moved on before winning the title.

The South Americans are not the same team. They are a stronger side, but the same is true for France.

Didier Deschamps’ men are battle-tested warriors with experience at this stage. It will be an exciting encounter and the world hopes Messi will be part of it.