Messi says he’s in great shape ahead of Saudi Arabia clash

Lionel Messi has stressed he is in “good condition” ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia today.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference in Qatar, skipper Messi said him sitting out part of training recently was “just precautions”.

“I’m feeling very well, I’m very well physically, good condition,” the Paris Saintgermain forward said.

“I think I came here in really good form, both personally, and physically. I have no issues whatsoever.

“I heard there were rumours about having to miss part of the training, or training apart from the team because of a blow – no, it was just precautions, nothing strange or out of the ordinary.”

Messi is at his fifth World Cup, having come closest to claiming the trophy when Argentina finished as runners-up in 2014.

The 35-year-old, who got his hands on international silverware at the Copa America last year, was asked if he had done anything different to prepare for this World Cup,

and he said: “No. It’s a different period within the season, we haven’t played that many games yet and I feel well. I just took care of myself.

“I am aware that this is a very special moment – it is most likely my last World Cup, the last opportunity to make my dream, our dream, a reality.

“But other than that, nothing special.”

He added: “(I feel) maybe a bit more mature. I think I’m really enjoying much more now.

“Before maybe I didn’t think about that, I just wanted to play.

“But now I’m trying to enjoy it.

“I’m always excited, I always want more, and I always want to try again to win this competition. We don’t have to think about the past. We have to try again and hopefully we can do it.”

Argentina enter the competition on a 36-game unbeaten run and very much among the teams being talked about as potential champions.

Boss Lionel Scaloni said he felt “at least eight or 10” teams could win the tournament, and of Argentina that “we now play in a much more calm way, we don’t have that weight on our shoulders (since winning the Copa America).”