Ahead of Argentina’s first World Cup match in Qatar, Lionel Messi was pictured in training on Monday with a badly swollen left ankle.

Lionel MessiPhoto: Hussein Malla/AP/Profimedia

Lionel Messi, problems before the match with Saudi Arabia

Although the image was concerning, the problem appears to stem from a long-standing injury, but does not cause discomfort or pain during practice or games. Messi trained alongside his teammates on Monday, Marca reports.

The Argentine star reassures his fans

“Physically, I feel very well. This will be my last World Cup, I hope to finish as well as possible and Argentina will win the trophy,” Messi wanted to clarify for Calciomercatto.

Argentina is in Group C of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar along with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.