Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi trained normally with his Argentina teammates ahead of their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.

As the reigning Copa America champions begin their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, November 22, bookmakers have tipped them to advance from their group, which also comprises Mexico and Poland.

Messi will lead La Albiceste into what looks like his final appearance at the World Cup against the Falcons at the Lusail Stadium.

However, pictures from their training base revealed the Argentine phenomenon's swollen ankle, which raises tension for the team.

As reported by the Sun, Messi's ankle swelling is the result of a bandage that contains frozen gel as part of a cryotherapy treatment to prevent the need for painkillers.

However, there’s no official word from the Argentina football team, and the PSG player displayed no signs of discomfort and actually finished his training.