Cristian Romero incident after Lionel Messi goal puts new slant on Tottenham transfer plan

Cristian Romero was forced off injured as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 to take their place in the World Cup round of 32 on Monday.

It was a historic occasion, with footballing legend Lionel Messi overtaking Miroslav Klose for World Cup goals when he scored his 17th, before making some space by netting his 18th.

The 38-year-old has scored five goals in just two games this summer, and will hope to strengthen his grip on the record in the coming weeks.

Romero has another goal while featuring for Argentina, and that is likely to attract potential suitors for a move away from Tottenham this summer.

The defender looks set to leave North London after almost four years, with the likes of Atletico Madrid previously interested.

However, injury would create a significant problem for Tottenham this summer and could even affect futures elsewhere.

The one concern - Romero, just back from injury, being replaced and having ice on his knee

Hopefully a precaution and nothing more pic.twitter.com/xyycJhvSkj

Romero had been in a race to return for the World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury for Tottenham against Sunderland in April.

The 28-year-old made it back in time, but there will be fresh concern after he limped off injured midway through the second half.

He had been enjoying a strong game, too, but it will not only be Argentina who are hoping that the defender returns against Jordan on Sunday.

Romero is set to leave Tottenham this summer and should attract a sizable fee, yet a big injury would massively damage his chances of leaving.

Even more than that, it would provide the hugely talented Luka Vuskovic with even more reason to leave.

Luka Vuskovic has liked Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post detailing Brighton’s £45m bid for the #Tottenham defender. pic.twitter.com/Vt9AJejuUa

The 19-year-old is already keen to join Brighton after they submitted an offer reportedly worth £45m, and the path to a future for him at Tottenham appears more cloudy by the day.

With the additions of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, the Lilywhites have six high-level centre-backs standing in front of Vuskovic.

Until scans and analysis take place, there is not much to determine just how serious Romero's injury is.

However, Tottenham will take hope in the fact that the defender re-emerged on the bench after his substitution.

#THFC’s Cristian Romero SPRINTED from the bench to celebrate Messi’s second goal, perhaps indicating his injury that forced him off the pitch isn’t that serious… https://t.co/GSGVopHJxv pic.twitter.com/2Xg0fFmrL3

In fact, he felt well enough to sprint down the touchline and celebrate with Messi after the second goal.

Romero's injury could still be significant, but the early signs are good for both Tottenham and Argentina.