Messi Sparks Injury Fears Before World Cup
Lionel Messi has sparked injury concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after asking to be substituted during Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia. The 38-year-old Inter Miami star started Argentina's 1-1 draw at River Plate's Monumental Stadium but was replaced in the 78th minute. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni revealed that Messi himself requested the substitution, though the exact reason for the decision was not disclosed. "Leo wasn't going to come off, but he ended up coming off near the end," Scaloni told reporters after Thiago Almada rescued a point for Argentina. "He told me it was better for him to come off, and so we decided to change him." The soon-to-be 39-year-old Messi has made it clear he is prioritizing the 2026 World Cup, having picked up a hamstring injury in his last game against the Ecuadorian team […]