Defending champions Argentina may receive a major boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with captain Lionel Messi nearing recovery from injury and potentially featuring in one of the team’s two warm-up matches in the United States, head coach Lionel Scaloni has said.
Messi has been sidelined due to left hamstring soreness, but his recovery is progressing positively, according to the Argentina coach.
Messi Recovery Progressing Well
Speaking ahead of Argentina’s first friendly, Scaloni confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is gradually returning to full fitness.
“Leo is doing well,” Scaloni said. “He trained for a portion with the group, which is important. He’s not fully segregated. He’s coming along. He could participate in the friendlies, get some playing time in these two matches.”
Messi may feature either in the match against Honduras in Texas or against Iceland in Alabama, depending on his fitness progression.
Injury Setback Before World Cup
The 38-year-old forward has not played since sustaining the injury on May 24 during his final match for Inter Miami CF before the MLS season break.
Despite the setback, Messi has had a strong season with 12 goals and 8 assists in 14 appearances, underlining his continued importance at both club and international level.
Argentina Preparing Title Defence
Messi remains a central figure as Argentina prepare to defend their World Cup title, which they won in Qatar in 2022. He also claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Argentina will begin their campaign in Group J, facing:
- Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City
- Austria on June 22 in Arlington, Texas
- Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas
Record-Breaking Career Continues
Messi holds several records, including the most World Cup appearances (26) and over 116 international goals in 198 matches, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in men’s international scoring charts.
He is also set to make his sixth World Cup appearance, matching Ronaldo and setting a new tournament record.
Key Boost for Argentina
With just days remaining before the tournament begins, Messi’s potential return is seen as a significant boost for the reigning champions as they prepare to defend their title on the global stage.
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