Lionel Messi trains alone amid Argentina World Cup fitness scare - in pictures


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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.

While you're here
MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

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MATCH INFO

Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')

Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')

Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

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The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8

Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Price: from Dh850,000

On sale: now

Prop idols

Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.

Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)

An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.

----

Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)

Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.

----

Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)

Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.

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Updated: November 20, 2022, 4:18 AM