Lionel Messi won’t play a part in Tuesday’s friendly against Spain, according to ESPN’s Sam Marsden, despite Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli’s confidence that the 30-year-old had recovered from a muscular injury.
Marsden, citing sources and a report from Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, says Messi “didn’t feel right” after coming through Monday’s training session.
The expectation was that Messi – who missed last week’s 2-0 win over Italy in Manchester with the same muscle problem – would be fit for Tuesday’s clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Speaking after that practice Monday, Sampaoli said Messi had “trained as normal with the group” and came through multiple fitness tests without issue.
“If there was the slightest risk, Leo would have said something,” he added. “The eve of the match against Italy he indicated that he was not in a state to play.
“But here, he did a fitness test yesterday (Sunday), he did another one today, and he’s fine … I don’t think there will be a problem tomorrow (Tuesday).”
However, it now appears Messi reported a feeling of discomfort to Argentina’s medical staff following the session, and will miss the match for precautionary reasons.
Marsden expects Messi to …read more