Injury boost for Argentina as Lionel Messi declared himself to be available for the clash against Saudi Arabia.
Former Barcelona star had battled an Achilles injury before the tournament and sparked
further fitness concerns after missing the first part of open training on Friday and then working on his own on Saturday.
However, Messi insists that was merely a precautionary measure and that he is ready to start in the Group C contest in Lusail.
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Messi:
“I feel very good physically, I think I’m in a great moment, both personally and physically and I don’t have any problems.”
“I heard that they said I trained differently. It was because I had a knock but there is nothing strange (happening). It was just a precaution.”
Argentina have already sent Joaquin Correa and Nico Gonzalez home from the World Cup due to injury but still have an embarrassment of riches to pick from in attack.
Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are competing to spearhead a forward line that has often varied in formation under Lionel Scaloni.
Aston Villa’s EmilianoMartinez is set to start in goal with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in the mix for a starting berth.
Predicted Argentina XI:
E. Martinez;
Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna;
De Paul, Rodriguez;
Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez;
Lautaro Martinez.
