Argentina superstar Lionel Messi gave coach Diego Maradona a World Cup scare on Friday when he injured his right knee in a training match.

Barcelona star Messi immediately left the practice session, but the seriousness of the injury was played down by officials.

"Messi is fine. It was only a knock and nothing else," said team official Nicolas Otamendi.

Argentina were training ahead of a World Cup friendly match against Canada taking place here on Monday before flying to South Africa for the finals next Friday.

Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes) and Sergio Agero (Atletico Madrid) both joined up with the squad on Friday.

But Walter Samuel and Diego Milito (Inter Milan) and Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich) were missing as they are taking part in the Champions League final in Madrid on Saturday.

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