Panic As Messi Survives Horrific Career-Ending Tackle As Argentina Defeat Venezuela in World Cup Qualifier

• Lionel Messi was in action in Argentina’s 3-1 win over impressive Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• Lautaro Martinez, J.Correa and A.Correa grabbed all the goals for La Albiceleste as they defeated the hosts
• Messi escaped a nasty challenge in the first half following a dangerous tackle by Adrian Martinez who was sent off

Paris Saint-German star, Lionel Messi, luckily escaped a dangerous tackle during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Venezuela in a World Cup qualifying encounter, SPORTbible reports.

Goals from Lautaro Martínez, Joaquin Correa and Angel Correa were enough to hand La Albiceleste all crucial three points after the final whistle.

But Adrian Martinez handed Messi a nasty challenge in the first half and upon VAR review, he was shown a straight red.

ESPN reports that Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in front just before the break, with J.Correa and A.Correa scoring a goal each in the second half.

Venezuela pulled one back in the 94th minute when Yeferson Soteldo converted from the penalty spot.

But the story of the game was the horrific tackle on Messi, who fortunately soldiered on and completed the game.

One tweeted:

"Disgusting tackle on Messi from Martinez, really unnecessary."

A second wrote:

"And they say Messi can't handle the physicality of Premier League."

A third added:

"Thank god he's ok! Looked brutal on slow motion."

Messi will be back in international action on Sunday when his side faces Brazil in a repeat of the Copa America final.

Ronaldo sets new international goal's record

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking feat has been long coming until the Portuguese captain achieved it by scoring two late goals against the Republic of Ireland.

The 36-year-old has now scored 111 international goals, the most by any player in history after breaking Iran's Ali Daei's long-standing record since 2006.

However, Ronaldo has insisted that he is not resting on his oars after the achievement and said that he would continue to raise the bar.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner will not be available for Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan next after getting booked for over-celebrating by taking off his shirt.

Ronaldo set for Manchester United debut

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo is on course to make his second Manchester United debut this weekend following his early departure from the Portugal camp.

The 2016 European champions came from a goal down to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier earlier this week.

Ronaldo scored both goals for his country towards the end of the fixture and in the process bagged a yellow card that ruled him out of their next encounter against Azerbaijan on September 7.