LIONEL MESSI appeared to be limping as he stepped off the Argentina bus ahead of their clash with Brazil this weekend.

The 34-year-old was chopped down by a horror red card tackle as his side beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas.

Venezuelan substitute Adrian Martinez lunged in with his studs raised, nastily catching Messi on his shin.

And the Paris Saint-Germain forward appeared to be feeling the effects of the challenge when he made the short walk to the team hotel.

It has not been confirmed why he looked to be hobbling.

Argentina face Brazil in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday, with Messi and Co currently six points behind their South American rivals after seven games of the campaign.

But Argentina will be hoping they can build on their Copa America triumph in the summer.

Angel di Maria's goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final as they clinched the trophy for the first time since 1993.

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Meanwhile, Messi's new club PSG will be hoping he returns from international duty at 100 per cent.

The ex-Barcelona man made his debut for the Ligue 1 side in their 2-0 away win at Reims last weekend.

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He is expected to play his first home game in front of the PSG fans when they take on Clermont on Saturday, September 11.

PSG currently sit top of Ligue 1 with a 100 per cent start to the season.

They are looking to reclaim the league title which they relinquished last year for the first time since 2017.

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