Lionel Messi suffered an injury during Argentina’s international friendly victory over Honduras to leave Tata Martino’s side sweating over the fitness of their Barcelona starlet with only a week left before they kick-start proceedings in the Copa America in a clash against Chile.
Tata Martino’s side enjoyed yet another routine victory with a 1-0 success over Honduras, courtesy of a stunning goal by Gonzalo Higuain. However, the sight of Lionel Messi hobbling off the field after taking a knock to his back added an element of sourness to the evening’s proceedings with the Albiceleste boss left anxious over the fitness of his star striker.
The Barcelona star collapsed on the ground after a knee to his torso and was seen holding his back as he gingerly walked off the field in the 64th minute. Television cameras then showed trainers rubbing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s lower back on the sidelines before taking him into the tunnel. Sevilla’s Ever Banega came on as a replacement for the 28-year-old as the Argentines looked to inflict further hurt on their opponents.
Tests performed after the game revealed Messi had suffered a deep bruise to his lumbar region. The Barcelona forward was scheduled to fly to Spain to appear before a judge at the Audiencia de Barcelona to submit evidence regarding the tax evasion charges slapped against him before flying to the United States to join his side in Copa America preparations. Last night’s injury however may warrant a change in plans and also puts his appearance in his country’s opening game against defending champions Chile in doubt.
It’s been 23 years since Argentina last won the Copa America and with the Albiceleste enduring final heart-breaks in their last two major tournaments, Lionel Messi was keen on securing the elusive trophy this time around. However, the injury suffered last evening could well dash the striker’s hopes and prove to be a cruel blow to his nation’s chances of bringing home the cup. Having won it all, individually and as a team, at club level, his duck at the international stage will be something the man from Rosario will be motivated to clear out and will have a nation waiting in bated breath anticipating his quick return to fitness. Whether or not he will take the field against Jorge Sampaoli’s Chile will be there to be seen.
