Argentina captain Lionel Messi said he is concerned about recent injuries to compatriots Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala, but said he hopes both will recover in time for the Copa del Rey. World.

Messi, who missed two Paris St Germain games due to a calf problem, added that injuries were always a concern for players before any major international tournament.

“It’s a concern because it’s a different World Cup, you play in a different time, and we’re so close that any little thing that can happen to you can leave you out. What happened to Paulo, to Fideo,” Messi said in advance of an interview with DirecTV Sports.

“I hope they both recover, they have plenty of time to get fit for the World Cup. Hopefully we can all get there in good health,” he said.

Di Maria has a hamstring problem that is expected to keep him out until early next month, while Dybala suffered a thigh problem that could keep him out of Qatar.

“On a personal level it worries me, and seeing these things is scarier in quotes, but I think that going out to play thinking about that can be contradictory. The best thing is to act normally as always, to play and that is the best way to be well”, added the Argentine captain.

Messi was cleared to play for PSG against Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Argentina was in Group C of the initial phase of the World Cup, where it will play Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.