KEY POINTS

  • Lionel Messi recently confirmed World Cup 2022 would be his last
  • The Argentina skipper is set to play his fifth World Cup
  • Argentina's opening game is against Saudi Arabia on Nov. 24

Lionel Messi gave his fans a shock Monday when he faked an injury during Argentina's public training ahead of Qatar World Cup.

The Argentina skipper was attending the training, along with his teammates, Monday. He decided to play a prank on the fans who were watching the session. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward grabbed the back of his leg and faked an injury, before laughing it off with his partner-in-crime, Rodrigo De Paul. Since the training session was attended by many fans, Messi's prank got filmed and the video went viral.

Since Messi had earlier confirmed the Qatar World Cup would be his final attempt at the coveted trophy, watching the Argentinian forward pick up an injury would have scared the fans.

Earlier this month, Messi missed PSG's 2-1 victory at Lorient due to an Achilles injury. Ahead of PSG's final match before the Qatar World Cup on Sunday, there were concerns that if Messi played and picked up an injury, Argentina could be without their skipper and key forward in the upcoming event.

However, Messi, along with fellow South American Neymar, started the game but boss Christophe Galtier removed the duo after 75 minutes.

Earlier, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about Messi's recent injuries, saying he was not worried about it.

"No player is going to reach 100 percent ahead of the World Cup. We will do our best in the final week before the tournament to help every player. There are some who will not play the last games [for their clubs] as a precaution, but we know they are fine," said Scaloni ahead of the Qatar World Cup, which will begin Sunday.

Argentina fans in Doha prepare to cheer on Lionel Messi's team at the World Cup
Argentina fans in Doha prepare to cheer on Lionel Messi and Co at World Cup 2022 AFP

Messi, who is set to play in his fifth FIFA World Cup, also missed two-three games last month due to a calf problem, but Argentina are confident that their 35-year-old skipper will be ready for the upcoming marquee tournament.

Messi is going into the World Cup with fine form. The former Barcelona star has netted 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 19 competitive appearances for PSG this season.

Argentina are scheduled to begin their campaign in Qatar on Nov. 24 by taking on Saudi Arabia.

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