Lionel Scaloni provides update on Lionel Messi after missed training session
By Tom Gott
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has stressed that Lionel Messi is 'fine' as he prepares to lead his country against Mexico on Saturday.
Messi failed to inspire victory over Saudi Arabia in the Albiceleste's opener and sparked concerns among fans when he missed a training session on Friday in the build-up to the crucial clash with Mexico.
According to Globo, however, Messi's absence was purely precautionary as he has been dealing with a minor calf injury, and after working with the physio in the morning, the Paris Saint-Germain star was involved in his team's second session later that day.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Scaloni confirmed there is nothing for fans to worry about.
"Messi trained and trained well," Scaloni said. "Not everyone went to the field because it was a recovery session for those who played. [Messi] is fine.
"We need everyone and we certainly won't have any physical casualties. They're all fine."
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Scaloni went on to confess that he may look to change his starting lineup after his first group of players struggled against Saudi Arabia.
"The first game affected the team a lot, but the reaction was immediate," he said. "The only thing we had to do was lift our heads. This group will do that.
"There is no doubt, we will look for alternatives in our game. We may have some changes. We will analyse the players after the recovery. We have everyone available so we can start defining the team.
"It's normal that when you make your World Cup debut, you feel the pressure of representing a team like Argentina, which is different from many others. We know it's different to be in a World Cup with the Argentina national team shirt.
"Leo is fine, as are all his companions, and the younger ones know that these are the times when the cards go on the table and everyone needs everyone else."