Leo Messi: “There’s still time for Dybala to recover for the World Cup.”
Lionel Messi spoke about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar and the challenges that the competition has posed to international football through an extremely demanding schedule which in turn has led several key players to suffer fatigue-related injuries.
In his comments, Messi touched upon Dybala and Di Maria’s recent injuries with their respective clubs in an interview with DirectTV Sports.
“Is there concern for them? Yes, absolutely, above all because it will be a different World Cup, it will be played in a different period than in the past.
“Any little thing can put you at risk of missing it, just look at Dybala and Di Maria’s situation. However, I believe that we must go on without thinking about injuries, it can be counterproductive.”
“The best thing is to work normally, play like we always do, that is the best way. I believe there will be time to recover both Paulo and Angel for the World Cup,” he concluded.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said he was concerned by the recent injuries to his international teammates, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala, but hopes they will both recover in time for the World Cup.
Messi, who has missed two games for his club Paris Saint-Germain due to a calf problem, added that injuries were always a worry for players ahead of any major international tournament.
"It's a concern because it's a different World Cup, you play at a different time and we're so close that any little thing that can happen to you can leave you out," the 35-year-old told DirecTV Sports.
"I hope they both recover, they have plenty of time to get well for the World Cup. Hopefully, we can all get there in good health."
Di Maria has a hamstring problem that is expected to keep him out until early next month while Dybala has a thigh injury that could rule him out of the tournament in Qatar.
Messi said the potential for injury so close to the World Cup was "scary."
"Seeing these things is scary but thinking about it can be contradictory," he added. "The best thing is to act normally as always, to play is the best way to be well."
Messi has been passed fit to play for PSG against Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Argentina have been drawn in Group C against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland at the World Cup.
Last week, Messi told Star Plus that the 2022 tournament will be his last World Cup as he looks to lead Argentina to their first triumph since 1986