Lionel Messi will not be able to line up in his team for Argentina’s friendly against Russia after the Barcelona forward pulled a leg muscle in training.
“We’re not going to risk Messi for a single minute,” angry coach Maradona said ahead of Wednesday’s friendly in Moscow, bizarrely adding “I’m a wizard… I knew this match shouldn’t have been organised.” As was reported earlier, a Barcelona club coach travelled with Messi to Moscow, and will have been keen to ensure any further damage was not inflicted. It isn’t clear at this time how long the injury will sideline Messi for.
Maradona has continued to express his concern that injuries could deprive him of key players for Argentina’s vital World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil on September 5th. Diego Milito is expected to replace Leo in the starting line-up for tonight’s friendly.
