Lionel Messi is expected to be fit to face England in the World Cup semi-final despite appearing to suffer a cut above his eye during Argentina's 3-1 quarter-final victory over Switzerland. The legendary forward received treatment during a hydration break after an inadvertent whack to the face from Granit Xhaka, but played the full 120 minutes and is now set to lead the line on Wednesday.
Messi's injury scare
Messi, who has netted eight goals and two assists in six appearances this summer, took a knock to the face as he pressed Xhaka. Images showed a small amount of blood around his right eye, and an Argentina physio applied an ice pack and cleaned the area during the subsequent hydration break. However, Messi was able to continue and is expected to feature against England.
Romero and Paredes updates
Defender Cristian Romero was substituted midway through extra time, sparking concerns over a knee injury he had suffered before the tournament. However, Romero allayed fears, stating: "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 has been a mainstay in central defence and scored in the comeback defeat of Egypt; he is expected to recover for the semi-final.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes was also hauled off in extra time, replaced by Jose Lopez, but the change was purely tactical. He is also expected to return against England.
