Argentina have received positive injury updates on Lionel Messi, Cuti Romero, and Leandro Paredes ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash with England on Wednesday evening in Atlanta. The defending champions secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over 10-man Switzerland after extra time in Kansas City, but several key players sustained injuries during the match.
Messi's Eye Injury
Lionel Messi's right eye was left bloodied after a strong challenge from Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka. The Argentine captain received treatment on the pitch but was able to continue playing as the discomfort subsided within minutes. Argentina are confident that Messi will be fine for the semi-final, even if his eye swells, as there are several days to recover before facing England.
Romero Subbed Off Due to Fatigue
Tottenham defender Cuti Romero was substituted at half-time of extra time due to physical exhaustion. Romero had been racing against the clock to be fit for the tournament after suffering an MCL injury in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland with Spurs in April. He said: "I hadn't played for more than three months. The heat and everything made it difficult. I finished a bit tired, and the coach put [Nicolas] Otamendi in, who was fresher." Romero is expected to be available for the semi-final.
Paredes Also Expected to Recover
Leandro Paredes was also unable to complete the full match due to tiredness, but Argentina believe he will recover in time for the England game. The team's medical staff are confident that all three players will be fit to face England.
Romero Reflects on Argentina's Journey
Romero insisted after the victory that Argentina cannot take reaching the World Cup semi-finals for granted, despite winning the competition in Qatar in 2022. He continued: "We mustn't confuse things, it's football. It's incredible. That's just how we are; in Argentina, they say that if you don't suffer, it's not worth it. We truly don't fully grasp everything we've been doing over the last 10 years. I hope Argentinians can relate to us, because we truly give our all for the shirt. It was evident again today; we kept running, kept fighting, until the very last minute. Sometimes you play well, sometimes badly, but the important thing is always to get back up and keep going."
Alvarez Back in Form
Worryingly for England, Julian Alvarez is back in form after scoring a stunning goal in the second half of extra time to help Argentina overcome 10-man Switzerland. His strike proved decisive in a match that saw Argentina struggle against a resilient Swiss side.
Messi's Thoughts on the Semi-Final
Messi reflected after the match: "It was important for us to take this step to have a more relaxed week before what's coming. This group competes and never stops pushing, wanting more, continuing to be at the level of the best. What this group has done is extraordinary. To be World Champions, win two Copa America titles, and be back in a semifinal among the top four. What they're doing is extraordinary, and that's why we have to enjoy it. Just like everyone else is experiencing it, and like we are too. We'll go there to compete once again, as we always do, against a powerhouse, a great team. Now it's time to rest and try to arrive in the best possible shape."
