Lionel Messi appears to have suffered a sore left hamstring, which has put him at risk of missing Argentina’s two qualifiers against Uruguay and Venezuela. This was confirmed by Barcelona following medical tests they conducted on 29 August, but the La Liga club have allowed their talisman to join up with the national team.
The tests were conducted following their away victory against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames stadium.
Barcelona’s statement released on August,29 reads: "Tests conducted today have confirmed that Lionel Messi has a sore left adductor muscle. Both the Medical Services of FC Barcelona and the AFA have agreed on this report."The player will travel to Argentina to join the national team and the evolution of the discomfort will decide his availability to play in the games scheduled."
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Lionel Messi had earlier announced his retirement following a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Chile in the Copa America Centenario Final. However, the 29-year-old was coaxed out of retirement by Edgardo Bauza just in time for the September qualifiers. His return to international competition is set to be one of the most anticipated stories of this international break.
Argentina who have 3 wins, 2 draws, and a loss after their first six qualifiers, currently sit in third position in the South American qualifying group. The top 4 Conmebol teams qualify automatically for Russia 2018, while the fifth place team goes into an inter-confederation playoff for a World cup berth.
The Albiceleste entertain group leaders Uruguay on September 2, 2016.
The Uruguayan ’s boast a star-studded team featuring Atletico Madrid centerbacks Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin in the heart of their defence, and up front they have PSG hitman, Edinson Cavani, as well as Lionel Messi’s Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez, who is also their all-time leading goalscorer.
If their captain were to be passed fit in time for Uruguay, it would provide a massive boost for the Argentines, who hope to pair him with Juventus’ young star, Paulo Dybala.
A win for Albiceleste at home, followed by what should be a routine victory away at last place Venezuela, should go a long way towards aiding them in their quest for an automatic qualifying spot.
