Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has given an encouraging update on Lionel Messi’s recovery, saying the forward is making steady progress and could feature briefly in the team’s upcoming friendly matches ahead of their World Cup opener.
Scaloni explained on Friday that Messi has already returned to partial training with the squad after spending time working separately due to a hamstring strain picked up during Inter Miami’s most recent match. He noted that the captain is no longer isolated from team activities, a sign that his recovery is moving in the right direction.
According to the coach, there is a possibility that Messi could see a few minutes of action in either of the upcoming friendlies as Argentina fine tune preparations for the tournament. The defending world champions are scheduled to face Honduras in College Station, Texas, before taking on Iceland in Auburn, Alabama.
Scaloni said the medical team is closely managing several players as the squad deals with different fitness concerns. He added that Messi’s improvement has brought a sense of relief within the camp as the team continues to balance recovery and preparation.
Argentina are also dealing with injury concerns in key positions. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is currently sidelined after suffering a finger fracture during the warm up for a European club final. As a result, Juan Musso is expected to start against Honduras, while young River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran is also set to gain minutes during the friendlies.
In defence, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are both recovering from muscle injuries, prompting the coaching staff to bring in Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo as cover options for the warm up matches.
There is also cautious optimism around Cristian Romero, who has returned to training after a knee issue earlier in the year but is still regaining full match fitness. Scaloni said a final decision will be made on whether he features in the friendlies or continues individual conditioning for a few more days.
Midfielder Nicolas Paz remains a doubt after picking up a heavy knock to the knee, with medical staff ruling him out of the match against Honduras. His availability for the second friendly remains uncertain as recovery continues.
Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez are also being monitored after arriving at camp with minor fitness issues. While both players are improving, the coach hinted that they may be rested for at least the first of the two friendlies to avoid unnecessary risk.
Scaloni stressed that the focus remains on player safety and long term readiness, noting that some of the injured players may not feature at all in the warm up games.
He added that the coming week will provide a clearer picture of the squad’s condition as preparations continue. Argentina are set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
