Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni delivered a positive update on Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Honduras, revealing that the captain has resumed parts of team training and could play before the World Cup begins.
Messi suffered a muscle injury during an Inter Miami CF match 10 days ago. The setback raised concerns in Argentina as the defending champions prepared for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina face Honduras at 6:00am Bangladesh time on Sunday in one of their final warm-up matches. Scaloni continues to assess several players recovering from fitness issues as he finalises preparations for the title defence.
Speaking about Messi’s condition, Scaloni said: “Leo is doing well. He has already started some training sessions with the squad, and that’s the important thing. He has improved a lot and we may see him for some minutes in the upcoming match.”
He added: “We will see whether that is possible in this game or the next one, but he is much better and that gives us peace of mind.”
Scaloni also shared a light-hearted story from the squad selection process. The Argentina coach revealed that Messi wanted confirmation of his place in the World Cup squad before celebrating his call-up.
“I sent him a message and he replied that he was waiting to see the full squad list first, to make sure his name was there. Then I told him, ‘You’ve been called up as well.'”
Messi will captain Argentina at a sixth World Cup, equalling the record for appearances at the tournament. The 2022 World Cup winner remains the focal point of Argentina’s attack despite approaching his 39th birthday.
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria national football team on 16 June. They will then face Austria national football team and Jordan national football team in Group J.
Scaloni’s immediate concern centres on ensuring his captain regains full fitness before the knockout stages. The latest update suggests Argentina’s biggest star remains on track for another World Cup campaign.
