Argentina's chances of retaining their World Cup title have received a significant boost with an update on Lionel Messi's condition emerging ahead of their highly anticipated semi-final clash against England. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to be available for the match, despite missing Argentina's first training session following their quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
The semi-final match will be held on Wednesday night at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Argentina will be looking to win their fourth World Cup title and become the first team in their history to successfully retain the trophy. England, on the other hand, is aiming to end their 60-year wait for a major international trophy. Much of England's preparation has focused on stopping Messi, who has been Argentina's standout performer throughout the tournament, producing eight goals and three assists.
Reports indicate that Messi's absence from training was not linked to a serious injury, but rather the demands of the expanded 48-team World Cup, increased travel, a long season, and two extra-time matches have taken a toll on Lionel Scaloni's squad. Argentina narrowly avoided elimination against Cape Verde and Egypt before requiring extra time to defeat Switzerland, leaving questions over whether fatigue could affect their preparations for England. However, with Messi expected to feature in the semi-final, Argentina have received positive news regarding two other important players, Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes, who are both expected to be available after finishing the quarter-final victory over Switzerland exhausted but without any physical problems.
Messi has praised England ahead of the encounter, describing them as a football "powerhouse", but also issued a strong warning as Argentina prepare for another battle on the road to defending their World Cup crown. The match is set to be one of the biggest in recent World Cup history, with the two nations facing each other for the first time at a major international tournament since 2002.
The outcome of this semi-final match will have significant implications for both teams, with Argentina looking to make history by retaining their World Cup title, and England seeking to end their 60-year wait for a major international trophy. With Messi expected to feature in the match, the stage is set for an exciting encounter between two football powerhouses.
Source: Yen Sports
