Argentina fans were anxiously waiting for news of Lionel Messi's fitness as the superstar trained away from the World Cup squad under the gaze of a medical expert.
The South Americans open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday but it will be a nervous wait to see if their talisman is fit to take part.
Medical officer Javier Hernandez had the task of monitoring Messi at Qatar University in Doha on Saturday as Messi underwent a light workout.
Messi was not seen during Friday's open training session, though Argentine outlet Ole stated that he was in the gym as part of a 'special' programme.
The Argentina squad arrived in Doha early on Thursday from Abu Dhabi, where they beat UAE 5-0 in their final World Cup warm-up on Wednesday with Messi, 35, scoring his 91st international goal.
One of the favourites going into this year's World Cup, the South Americans will begin their campaign on Tuesday in Group C, which also includes Mexico and Poland.
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Lionel Messi arrives with the Argentina squad at Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Reuters -
Lionel Messi, top right, and the Argentina squad arrive in Doha following a 5-0 win over UAE in Abu Dhabi. Reuters -
Argentina's Lionel Messi arrives in Doha alongside Rodrigo De Paul. Reuters -
Argentina forward Lionel Messi, second right, and teammates arrive at the Hamad International Airport in Doha on November 17, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP -
The Argentina squad disembarks the airplane at Hamad International Airport. Getty Images -
Angel Di Maria, left, and Lionel Messi, back left, arrive with teammates at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Argentina will play the first match in the World Cup against Saudi Arabia on November 22. AP Photo -
Angel Di Maria, left, and Lionel Messi, second right, of Argentina arrive with teammates at Hamad International Airport in Doha. AP Photo -
The airplane carrying the Argentina nsquad is painted with pictures of Lionel Messi, center, Angel Di Maria, left, and Rodrigo De Paul arrives at Hamad International airport in Doha, Qatar. AP Photo -
Members of the Argentina team peer out from the windows on their plane. AFP -
Members of the Argentina team peer out from the windows on their plane. AFP
