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Lionel Messi has had fans losing their minds just hours before the World Cup gets underway after suffering an injury in a friendly.
Argentina were taking on the United Arab Emirates after touching down in the Middle East this week prior to the Qatar World Cup – that kicks off on Sunday night. In their final warm-up match, the South American side looked in good fettle.
Lionel Scaloni's men put the UAE to the sword, racking up five goals in an hour to win 5-0. Manchester City star Julian Alvarez grabbed the opener before goals from Angel di Maria, Messi and Joaquin Correa.
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It will give Argentina fans hope going into the tournament – where they are one of the favourites to go all the way and win it. Doing so, would see them win their third World Cup and first since 1986.
So there was understandable pandemonium when Messi hobbled off the pitch against UAE after a high boot on his ankle with time running out. Fortunately for the nation, he managed to get back to his feet and trudging on.
It might have been wise for Scaloni to take off his talisman then and there but the decision was made to leave the 35-year-old on. And as it turned out, Messi ended up finishing the full 90 minutes – but not before terrifying fans.
One fan said: "I hope he’s fine." Accompanied by several crying emojis, there was another reply saying: "Please don’t play another World Cup injured."
And this fan said: "Considering this could be his last WC I'm not surprised the stadium would be shocked."
At the age of 35, this may well be Messi's last chance at winning a World Cup – considering he would be 39 when the next one occurs.
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- Lionel Messi
- World Cup
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