FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi to miss the finale? Captain’s absence from training session raises concern

FIFA World Cup 2022: The FIFA World Cup has come to an end, with Argentina set to play France on Sunday night (December 18) after a brilliant group stage, an exciting Round of 16, and closely contested quarter- and semifinal matches .

The final FIFA World Cup game will likely be an interesting occasion with some big names squaring off against one another as the fight for the prized championship heats up in Qatar. Before the exciting match at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. Following his team’s 3-0 victory against Croatia in the World Cup semifinal, Argentina’s captain said that the Qatar final would be his last appearance.

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Lionel Messi absent from training session

He would therefore desire a happy finish that caps off his World Cup journey. However, Argentina fans are worried over Messi’s absence from the team’s training session on Thursday, December 15.

Papu Gomez, Lautaro Martinez, and other players who began the semifinal were present at a recovery session with Messi, according to Argentine news outlet Clarin. He apparently has hamstring pain, which was apparent in the semi-final, according to Foot Mercato, but he is still anticipated to play in the World Cup championship match.

The 35-year-old is one among the favourites to win this year’s Golden Boot due to his outstanding World Cup performance, tied with Kylian Mbappe of France with five goals. The PSG star has played six times for Argentina and contributed three assists.

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Messi to play his last World Cup game

Messi said earlier this week that he is playing his last match of the World Cup. He said he was “very thrilled” to be able to play his farewell game in a World Cup final, telling the Argentine media site Diario Deportivo Ole that he was “so happy” about it.

“I feel very happy to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final.” Messi added, “It’s many years for the next one and I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it’s the best,” Messi said.

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