Soccer

Lionel Messi tackled by Luis Martinez in "criminal" challenge

Messi was left crumpled in a heap during Argentina's win against Venezuela after Martinez inflicted a tackle which Argentine media is calling "criminal".

Messi was left crumpled in a heap during Argentina's win against Venezuela after Martinez inflicted a tackle which Argentine media is calling "criminal".
Jennifer Bubel
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-1 in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday in Caracas. 27 minutes into the game, Lionel Messi received a tackle from Venezuela's Luis Martinez which the Argentine media are describing as "criminal". Martinez' brutal kick went straight to Messi's left leg, leaving him in a heap on the ground as concerned teammates and fans watched, wondering what would happen.

Luckily for Argentina and PSG fans, Messi came out of the tackle un-injured and able to play. He was checked for injuries and cleared to continue. The referee first gave Martinez the yellow card, but reviewed the play in the VAR and decided to change it to red, expelling Martinez from the game.

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