With rumours circulating about Lionel Messi potentially missing Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup opener through injury, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has broken his silence regarding his fitness.
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Concerns have been growing among the Albiceleste support over the fitness of their talisman, Messi. The Paris Saint-Germain star was said to be nursing an ankle injury and speculation suggested he could be out of contention for Argentina's tournament opener against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday afternoon as a result.
However, speaking to reporters at a pre-match press conference for the reigning champions of South America, the 35-year-old put all conjecture to bed with an injury update.
"I have no issues whatsoever," the 35-year-old said, as per Goal.
"I heard there were rumours about having to miss part of the training or training a part of the training, no, it's just precautions. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary.
"I haven't done anything different, I just took care of myself
"I have worked as I have done throughout my entire career. This is a special moment, most likely my last World Cup. My last opportunity to make my dream, our dream a reality."
With the football icon possibly competing in his final World Cup, 2022 perhaps presents no better opportunity for the former Barcelona man to win the trophy that has proven elusive for him so far. And with Argentina coming off the back of a Copa America triumph last year, Messi feels the team is in a good moment to finally conquer the world.
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"We just won a tournament and obviously it helps you work in a different way," he added.
"You don't feel as anxious. It doesn't put as much pressure on you, we just focus on enjoying our time with the national team."
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