Lionel Messi was a no-show at Argentina’s training session on Thursday, just days before the World Cup final against France on Sunday.
Messi’s return of five goals and three assists is all the more impressive given that it is believed he hasn’t been at full strength all winter. However, during the semifinal victory over Croatia, when he was seen clutching at his hamstring, he left people in awe.
Despite missing the team’s first practise on Thursday, Messi still played the full 90 minutes and once again proved to be a dominant force.
Ole pointed out that Messi was nowhere to be seen during the 15 minutes that the media were allowed to watch La Albiceleste train; it is unclear, however, whether he resumed training after the cameras were turned off.
Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, and Emiliano Martinez are thought to have been working out in the gym. Messi is thought to have missed a session in which former striker Sergio Aguero put on his boots and participated in a brief workout.
Aguero, who was forced to retire in late 2021 after a heart condition was discovered, has been a member of Lionel Scaloni’s backroom staff in Qatar, and he seized the opportunity to participate on Thursday.
Regarding Messi, there isn’t thought to be any real concern about his participation in the championship match, as Argentina’s medical staff regularly pulls the seasoned player forward from sessions to manage his workload throughout the demanding World Cup competition.
