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".
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.