Lionel Messi has revealed he played through discomfort in his right hamstring as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 in their second match at the Copa America on Tuesday.
Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to score an 88th-minute winner as the world champions secured qualification for the quarter-finals with one match to spare.
Messi failed to score for a second successive game at the tournament, only recording one shot worth 0.02 expected goals (xG), though he did create a game-high five chances for his team-mates.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also led all players on the pitch for passes in the final third (18) and completed seven of his 11 attempted dribbles – both match-high figures.
Boss Lionel Scaloni has now been handed a major worry, however, with Messi revealing he played through the pain barrier.
"I felt some discomfort in my right hamstring at the beginning of the game. It was tight." Messi said.
"It wasn't as loose as it should've been, but I was able to finish the game. We'll see how it goes."
Messi could get a rest when Argentina face Peru in their final Group A match on Saturday, though, with only a point required to secure top spot.
Scaloni said: "Against Peru, the guys who didn't get minutes in these matches will play."
psr
315
people think that only scoring goals matter in a game....then defenders midfielders gk should have no value in a team....messi even though he's not scoring still creating chances for his teamates ...he is the key player that opposition focuses on and still he is able to contribute in a game...that is goat...he has proven everything now still people target him ...let us enjoy while he is there ....coz after he retires football will become normal again...there will be no magic left
brandonnjinuwo
235
When Messi doesn't score for Argentina," they say he scores only in Friendly's." When he does,"they say the Copa America is a trash competition." When he didn't win the World Cup, he was insulted and battered. When he did, the World Cup lost value. when other players win balloon d'or, it's fair, but when it's Messi, it becomes FiFa fan boy, whereas FiFa is European and Messi is South American. Truthfully, I just don't know what you guys want from him.