Lionel Messi injured and was taken to hospital after suffering wound scare as Argentina defeated Honduras 1-0 in their only warm-up game before next month's Copa America Centenario in the United States.
A first-half goal from in-form Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain settled a low-key encounter in San Juan last night, with two-time world champions Argentina dominating possession and shots. But the result was overshadowed by an alarming incident involving Messi midway through the second half that forced the Barcelona superstar to leave the field clutching his lower back in pain. The statement said, "Messi suffered trauma to his lower back on the left side and ribcage in the same area. He is being examined in a local hospital for a more thorough diagnosis," He had suffered a "nasty blow to the lower back," Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said.