Lionel Messi says if he'll be fit for World Cup final after holding hamstring

The World Cup final is only a few days away and Lionel Messi has already booked his place in the biggest footballing event, but it didn't come without a slight scare

Posted Wednesday, December 14, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Lionel Messi will be playing in the World Cup final

Lionel Messi has reassured fans that he will be available to play in Sunday's World Cup final after clutching his hamstring in the first-half.

The Argentina star was exceptional against Croatia in the semi-final, scoring and assisting as they won 3-0 on Tuesday night. Messi is now just one game away from winning the World Cup with his beloved Argentina, but fans were dealt a scare when he looked to be moving awkwardly.

Messi went on to produce an iconic performance despite clutching his hamstring early on, but the Paris Saint Germain star has since confirmed he will be fine for Sunday's clash. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final, with the ultimate prize in football up for grabs.

"I am enjoying this A LOT," Messi confirmed after his stunning performance against Croatia. "I am feeling really good, I feel strong enough to face every match.

"The previous match was a big sacrifice. Today we were tired but we pulled out strength to earn the victory. We played very well, we preferred to play this way because we knew they would not have the ball.

"We knew we would have to run. We prepared in a very good way. I feel very happy in this World Cup. I am able to help the squad."

And Messi will be needed on Sunday to help Argentina win their first World Cup since 1986. Messi has the chance to replicate the late Diego Maradona and win the competition, and it could finally settle the all-time debate.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic already thinks Messi is the best player in the world, but it could convince those who are still on the fence about his all-time status if he was to go all the way in Qatar. Dalic doesn't need convincing, as he said: "Nothing much needs to be said about Messi.

"The best player in the world and very good and very dangerous today. It is the true Messi we expected to see."