Lionel Messi Survived A Horrific Career Ending Tackle In Argentina's Win Over Venezuela

Lionel Messi was lucky to avoid a serious injury after being on the wrong end of a career ending tackle in Argentina's win over Venezuela.

Argentina beat Venezuela 3-1 in their World Cup qualifier, with Lautaro Martínez, Joaquin Correa and Angel Correa getting on the score-sheet.

Venezuela were reduced to ten men when Adrian Martinez produced a sickening tackle on Messi in the first half.

Martinez committed an extremely dangerous tackle that caught the Paris Saint-Germain superstar high on the leg.

He hit the deck as the match referee eventually brandished his red card to Venezuela's number six following a VAR review.

Martinez put Argentina in front just before the break, with J.Correa and A.Correa scoring a goal each in the second half.

Yeferson Soteldo pulled one back, converting a 94th minute penalty.

But the story of the game was the horrific tackle on Messi, who fortunately soldiered on and completed the game.

One tweeted: "Disgusting tackle on Messi from Martinez, really unnecessary."

A second wrote: "And they say Messi can't handle the physicality of Premier League."

A third added: "Thank god he's ok! Looked brutal on slow motion."

Messi will be back in international action on Sunday when his side face Brazil in a repeat of the Copa America final.

Argentina also face Bolivia during the international period.

Topics: Football, Lionel Messi, Argentina

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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