Argentina 2-0 Italy: Lionel Messi fails to appear to disappointment of fans as Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini strike to give Jorge Sampaoli's men win
Lionel Messi played no part here and sat in the stands with team-mate Sergio Aguero due to 'muscle fatigue'
Argentina substitute Ever Banega opened the scoring in the 75th minute with a powerful low left-footed drive
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini doubled Jorge Sampaoli's side's advantage with five minutes remaining
News filtered through early in the afternoon. After his face had been plastered across marketing campaigns and the primary reason for anyone turning up here, fears grew that Lionel Messi might not be involved.
To the disappointment of thousands of locals that was indeed correct. Messi, who had trained all week at the City Football Academy without issue, was ruled out with 'muscle fatigue'.
Not an injury, but tiredness. He certainly was not exhausted when his sumptuous goal, beating six Argentina team-mates on a dazzling 40-yard run, brought an end to Wednesday's session, such was its class.
Lionel Messi played no part here and sat in the stands with team-mate Sergio Aguero due to 'muscle fatigue'
Argentina substitute Ever Banega opened the scoring in the 75th minute with a powerful low left-footed drive
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini doubled Jorge Sampaoli's side's advantage with five minutes remaining
News filtered through early in the afternoon. After his face had been plastered across marketing campaigns and the primary reason for anyone turning up here, fears grew that Lionel Messi might not be involved.
To the disappointment of thousands of locals that was indeed correct. Messi, who had trained all week at the City Football Academy without issue, was ruled out with 'muscle fatigue'.
Not an injury, but tiredness. He certainly was not exhausted when his sumptuous goal, beating six Argentina team-mates on a dazzling 40-yard run, brought an end to Wednesday's session, such was its class.