Argentina continued their World Cup campaign with another important result against Austria.
The defending champions entered the match looking to strengthen their position in the group and maintain their impressive defensive record.
Lionel Messi once again grabbed the headlines after finding the net twice and helping his side qualify for the knockout stages. However, the victory came with a major concern.
Argentina looked comfortable during the first half and carried a 1-0 lead into the break.
Yet just minutes after the restart, attention shifted away from the scoreline and towards a worrying injury on the pitch. A key member of the squad suddenly went down holding his knee.
Cristian Romero sat on the turf in visible discomfort before medical staff rushed onto the field.
Moments later, he left the pitch and headed straight to the bench, where he received further treatment.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender started alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence but lasted only a few minutes into the second half before he was forced off.
Reports stated that Romero clutched his right knee before making his way from the field. He later sat on the bench with ice applied to the affected area.
The timing will concern both Argentina and Tottenham. Romero missed the final six matches of Tottenham’s Premier League campaign because of a knee problem.
Argentina had also managed his workload during the tournament as he worked his way back to full fitness. Nicolas Otamendi replaced the defender after the injury.
Argentina still completed the job on the pitch. Messi opened the scoring with his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal before adding another late strike to secure a 2-0 victory.
La Albiceleste have already booked their place in the knockout stages, but they will want one of their most important defenders available for the challenges ahead.
With crucial matches approaching, the World Cup holders will hope the injury is not as serious as first feared.
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