Messi bloodied but fit as Argentina confirm injury trio ahead of England semi-final

Argentina are cautiously optimistic over the fitness of Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero, and Leandro Paredes ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta, after all three players were affected during their hard-fought 3-1 extra-time quarter-final victory over Switzerland in Kansas City.

Messi sustained a bloodied right eye after a strong challenge from Granit Xhaka but was able to continue once the discomfort eased. With several days before the semi-final, the Argentina camp expect any swelling to subside in time. Romero was substituted at half-time of extra-time, while Paredes also failed to complete the full match — both due to physical exhaustion rather than structural injury.

Romero had only recently returned from an MCL injury suffered with Tottenham in a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in April, meaning he had gone more than three months without playing before the tournament. “The heat and everything made it difficult,” he said. “I finished a bit tired, and the coach put Otamendi in, who was fresher.”

Despite the scares, Romero was quick to temper any complacency, warning that Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar does not make reaching semi-finals any less demanding. “We mustn’t confuse things, it’s football,” he said. “In Argentina, they say that if you don’t suffer, it’s not worth it. I hope Argentinians can relate to us, because we truly give our all for the shirt.”

For England, the fitness news from the Argentina camp will be concerning enough — but the form of Julian Alvarez may be the bigger worry. The Manchester City forward struck a decisive goal in the second half of extra-time to settle the tie against Switzerland, signalling he is hitting form at the right moment.

Messi, reflecting on the win, struck a tone of quiet confidence ahead of the semi-final. “This group competes and never stops pushing, wanting more, continuing to be at the level of the best,” he said. “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.”

Argentina and England meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, with both sides chasing a place in the World Cup final.