Messi injury scare mars Argentina win

Barcelona superstar left field clutching lower back in 1-0 win over Honduras


Afp May 29, 2016
An alarming incident in the second half forced Messi to leave the field clutching his lower back in pain. PHOTO: AFP

SAN JUAN: Lionel Messi was taken to hospital after suffering an injury scare on Friday as Argentina defeated Honduras 1-0 in their only warm-up game before next month’s Copa America Centenario in the United States.

A first-half goal from in-form Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain settled a low-key encounter in San Juan, with two-time world champions Argentina dominating possession and shots.

But the result was overshadowed by an alarming incident involving Messi midway through the second half that forced the Barcelona superstar to leave the field clutching his lower back in pain.

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The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year appeared to be hurt after a heavy aerial collision with an opposing player in the 59th minute.

Messi grimaced and rubbed his lower back after the challenge and required treatment on the field for several minutes before he was swiftly substituted by Ever Banega.

Messi was taken to hospital to assess the nature of the injury, the Argentina Football Association said in a statement.

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Rashford’s rise no surprise for Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson insisted Marcus Rashford’s dream debut for England came as no surprise after the Manchester United sensation staked his claim for a Euro 2016 place with a record-breaking strike in a 2-1 win over Australia.

Rashford took just 135 seconds to strike a lethal volley which opened the scoring in Friday’s Euro 2016 warm-up at the Stadium of Light.

No player of such a tender age has ever found the net on his England debut and at the age of 18 years and 209 days, Rashford is behind only former Liverpool star Michael Owen (18 years and 164 days) and United captain Wayne Rooney (17 years 317 days) in the list of the youngest scorers in an England shirt.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2016.

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