Prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar, Argentine captain Lionel Messi (36, Paris Saint-Germain) was reported to be absent from training due to a hamstring injury.
According to British media Express on the 16th (Korean time), Messi did not attend the official training of the Argentine national team held the day before the final match once morest France. The media reported that “concerns are rising regarding playing in the final once morest France due to a hamstring problem.”
Argentina will clash with France for the World Cup championship on the 19th at 0:00 (Korean time). Messi believes that this World Cup will be his last. In an interview following the victory over Croatia in the last semifinal, he said, “It will take a few more years until the next World Cup, and I don’t think I can do it.”
Messi ranks first in both goals and assists with 5 goals and 3 assists in his last World Cup stage. In addition, Messi was named the best player 4 times out of 6 matches.
Reporter Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com mshong@hankyung.com
