Lionel Messi has taken a major step forward in his recovery from injury and could feature in Argentina’s upcoming World Cup warm-up matches, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.
Speaking on Friday, Mr Scaloni revealed that the Argentine captain has resumed partial training with the squad after suffering a left hamstring strain during Inter Miami CF’s last match.
“Leo is doing well, he has already trained partly with the group, he’s no longer completely separated,” Mr Scaloni said.
“It’s possible he’ll play a few minutes in the friendlies. We’ll see whether that’s tomorrow’s game or the other one.”
Argentina prepare for World Cup friendlies
Defending world champions Argentina national football team are scheduled to face Honduras in College Station, Texas, on Saturday before taking on Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.
Mr Scaloni said Messi’s improving condition has brought relief to the coaching crew ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“He’s much better and that gives us peace of mind,” the coach added.
Argentina are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on 16 June in Kansas City.
Injury concerns continue for Argentina squad
The Argentine medical team is also managing injuries involving several key players ahead of the tournament.
Mr Scaloni confirmed that goalkeeper Juan Musso of Atlético Madrid will start against Honduras after first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez suffered a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand during preparations for the Europa League final.
Although Martínez will miss both friendly matches, the coaching staff expects him to recover in time for the World Cup opener.
The coach also disclosed that debutant goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán will get playing time during the friendlies.
Romero back in training
Defender Cristian Romero has returned to training after recovering from a knee sprain suffered in April, though he remains short of full match fitness.
Meanwhile, right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are both recovering from muscle injuries.
Argentina has called up Agustín Giay and Nicolás Capaldo as replacements for the warm-up games.
Midfielder Nicolás Paz is also being monitored after sustaining a knee knock and has been ruled out of the Honduras clash.
Scaloni urges caution ahead of tournament
Mr Scaloni said the coaching staff would avoid rushing injured players back into action before the World Cup.
“The situation is improving,” he said. “They’re fine, and we don’t want to risk them in these games.”
“In this one against Honduras, definitely not. In the second, there might be a chance that one of them could play.”
He added that the coming days would determine the final condition of the squad before Argentina begin their title defence.
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