Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni announced that the team's forward Lionel Messi, who is recovering from an injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup, has already partially returned to training with the squad. He may play a few minutes in the friendly matches. Scaloni stated this during a press conference, AFP reports, according to UNN.
Details
"Leo feels good, he has already partially trained with the team, he is no longer separated from the general group. Perhaps he will play a few minutes in the friendly matches. We will see if it will be tomorrow's match or another one," Scaloni said.
He added that Messi is much better, which "gives peace of mind to the national team."
Scaloni also confirmed that Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso will start the match against Honduras at Kyle Field Stadium, as first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez suffered a fracture of the ring finger on his right hand during the warm-up before the Europa League final.
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Scaloni will also give playing time to debutant Santiago Beltrán, the young River Plate goalkeeper who was called up for the friendlies.
In defense, right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are recovering from muscle tears, and the coaching staff has called up Agustín Giay and Nicolás Capaldo to replace them in the friendly matches.
Central defender Cristian Romero is already training with the team after a knee sprain he suffered in April, although he has not yet regained match fitness.
Addition
The American club Inter Miami reported that Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a left hamstring overload related to muscle fatigue.
Before the World Cup, the Argentina national team will play two friendly matches - against Honduras on June 7 and against Iceland on June 10.
At the World Cup, Argentina was drawn into Group J, where they will play against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The first match against Algeria will take place on June 17 at 4:00.