Argentina skipper Lionel Messi survives CAREER-ENDING tackle by Venezuelan player during FIFA World Cup Qualifier - WATCH

At the age of 34, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the horrific tackle could have ended Messi’s career.

Star footballer Lionel Messi escaped a brutal tackle during Argentina’s win over Venezuela on Thursday (local time). In the 27th minute of the match, Messi received a tackle from Venezuela's Luis Martinez which the Argentine media are describing as "criminal". Martinez's brutal kick went straight to Messi's left leg, leaving him in a heap on the ground as concerned teammates and fans watched, wondering what would happen. At the age of 34, it’s not an exaggeration to say that tackle could have ended Messi’s career, but luckily the six-time Ballon d’Or winner escaped with just a bruised leg and played the entire 90 minutes.