Against Chile, Lionel Messi did not have the best of games. It is unusual to see the soccer icon put out a display below a 10/10. But, the 8- time Ballon d’Or winner has stunned everyone by saying that he suffered an injury. As per La Pulga, it is a ‘muscle spasm‘. Not a good sign, considering his recent occurrences of injuries. But when will the sensational Argentine be back for his side? An update has emerged.
As per journalist Gaston Edul, Lionel Messi’s injury is not a serious one. He had written, “Leo Messi said he is fine. He will rest against Peru and play in the quarterfinals.” This could come as an enormous relief to coach Lionel Scaloni and the Argentine supporters. Moreover, Messi himself had spoken about his physical condition. He had said, “I played after several days of sore throat and fever, and this may have affected me. As for the injury, it is not something old or something I was suffering from. It is a muscle spasm.”
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It was in the 24th minute when the problem flared up. Lionel Messi was going through one of his trademark mazy dribbles when he received a rough challenge on his thigh. La Pulga fell down to the floor and displayed immediate discomfort. Medical attention was needed as they performed some exercises on his thighs. Although he continued playing, it was evident that the Argentine magician was not at his best.
In the remainder of the match, Lionel Messi did not manage a single shot on target. Although he created some fine chances, the finishing touch he has cultivated over the years was missing. But, a common theme of the match was the repeated fouls against him. Eventually, even Messi lost his cool.
Lionel Messi gets involved in an angry bust-up with the referee!
It was evident that Chile’s tactics revolved around fouling Lionel Messi to negate his influence. The match referee didn’t see much wrong with this. The attitude of the referee enraged the Argentine captain. He confronted the official and said, “Won’t you charge me for any violations?.” But Messi did not stop there.
USA Today via Reuters
He added, “What will yuu give? yellow card? Are you going to fire me? huh?.” It is rare to see Lionel Messi in such a mood. But it seems the underlying frustration has been his inability to be a difference-maker in the tournament. So far in the tournament, the Inter Miami star is yet to score a single goal! Perhaps the break for the Peru game might benefit Messi to rejuvenate his mind. After all, without him at his best, Argentina’s chances of defending the title look slim.
