LIONEL MESSI scared football fans around the world when he pulled up during Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash this week.
The Argentine is set to feature in his fifth and almost certainly final World Cup when he travels to Qatar next month.
But fans hoping to see Leo have one final crack at winning it had an almighty scare during PSG's routine 7-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa this week.
In the 72nd minute, with the score comfortable at 6-2, Messi appeared to pull up when fouled.
He immediately sank to his haunches, signalling that something was wrong.
In this moment, it appeared he may have suffered a catastrophically timed injury.
But a second later the grimace disappeared from Messi's face... because it turned out he just needed to tie his shoelace.
The 35-year-old remained on the field for the duration of the game, having been in devastating form.
He became the oldest man to ever grab two goals and two assists in a Champions League game, with some reports even claiming his tally had beaten Pele's much-debated career record for combined goals and assists.
While Messi is in brilliant form, his millions of fans will just hope to see him healthy going into the World Cup finals... with plenty of top players having recently received the devastating news that they will miss the tournament.
RaghibMustafa
108
I hope both remain injury-free till the World Cup 🏆. And either one to conquer the last missing trophy.. The G.O.A.T.S 🐐🐐
satla
78
lobcdikmn
48
Even if Nigeria had qualified, I would have till preferred Argentina to win the World Cup because of Messi. I pray God to help Messi win this world cup in Jesus Christ Holy name Amen
tezcdknpz
42
In the history of football, Lionel Messi is the footballer with the most: ▶ Goal contributions (1123) ▶ Goals in a calendar year (91) ▶ Goals in a season (82) ▶ Assists (341) ▶ Assists in a calendar year (36) ▶ Goals in finals (32) ▶ Ballon d'Ors (7) ▶ Golden Boots (6) The one and only Leo! 🇦🇷❤️ #footballchallenge
amartious2000
31
Messi the history maker. His story would be read untill 2190 and beyond.
Football⚽/Fan
26
G. O. A.T again Returned to his beast from..
fueacmnu
18
Ooof . Football is smiling back again .
naveedyousafzai
14
Things you might not know ! 😬 ➡ The name " MESSI " is ban to use in CR7's house . ➡ When Messi won his 6th Ballon D'or in 2019 , CR7's mom called Messi the " FOOTBALL MAFIA " because she thought he was the reason behind Modric won the ballon d'or instead of his son in 2018 . ➡ Once CR7's eldest Son CR7 Junior watched Messi video in youtube , CR7 JR was scolded by CR7's very own sister . ➡ When CR7 won his 5th Ballon d'or in 2017 , CR7 JR asked CR7's mom that how many ballon d'or does Messi have ?and he got scolded by his grandmom and she responded I don't know don't talked about him (Messi) . ➡ When CR7 scored two goals vs Messi's barca back in 2020 with Juventus , CR7's sister uploaded photoshopped picture of Messi and insulted him through her instagram account . ➡ On Messi's 35th birthday , CR7's sister uploaded the bluppers video of Messi and insulted him on her instagram account .