Lionel Messi trained individually during Argentina‘s initial practice session in the United States as he continues recuperating from a hamstring issue.
The captain of Inter Miami has been out due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring since May 24 but is anticipated to be fit in time for Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria on June 16.
At 38, Messi joined the national team at their training headquarters in Kansas City and engaged in a tailored workout on Monday.
Other players facing fitness challenges, including Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nico González, Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina, also trained apart from the main group.
According to the Argentina Football Association, “The players dealing with minor injuries continue to collaborate with the physiotherapy team on tailored exercises and are showing promising progress.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni received positive updates ahead of the warm-up friendly against Honduras this Saturday, with Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero and Julián Álvarez having completed Monday’s training session after receiving the green light.
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Tottenham defender Cuti has recovered from a right knee ligament sprain, while Atlético Madrid forward Álvarez is back in action after an ankle sprain sidelined him since May 5.
Argentina is scheduled to play their last warm-up match against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on June 9, before starting their title defense against Algeria a week later in Kansas City.
The Albiceleste will also face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas.