Football: Messi uncertain for Argentina-Colombia tussle

Argentina face being without skipper Lionel Messi for Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Colombia as the Barcelona star battles a right hamstring problem, coach Alejandro Sabella said Thursday.

Sabella said Messi was progressing but would not look to rush him as he looks to get fit for a game which could propel the two-time world champions seven points clear of Ecuador. They currently top the table on 24 points with Ecuador on 20 and Colombia on 19.

Sabella’s side then travel to Quito to take on Ecuador.

Messi hardly featured for his club towards the end of the season because of his injury, and while he was named in the squad, Sabella was set to wait until after Thursday’s training session to see if he should be risked.

On Wednesday Sabella had said: “His leg is okay. He looks quick and capable of taking on defenders, but we need to see how fit he is after so long without playing.”