Argentina’s World Cup preparations face fitness test as Messi sidelined by hamstring strain
The 39-year-old’s recovery timeline remains uncertain as the squad travels to Alabama for a final tune-up before facing Algeria in Kansas City.
Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Argentina’s pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras, dealing a significant blow to the national team’s final preparations. The 39-year-old captain sat out the match at Kyle Field in Texas on Saturday night due to a mild strain in his left hamstring and muscle fatigue, despite warming up with his teammates prior to kick-off.
Argentina officials confirmed that Messi remained on the bench as the team secured a 2-0 victory, noting that his return to full fitness will depend on his “clinical and functional progress.” The injury was initially diagnosed by his Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, after he made an abrupt exit from their 6-4 victory over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute late last month.
The situation highlights the physical demands placed on the squad, with Messi arriving late to a training session in Kansas City on Wednesday and performing conditioning work separately from the main group. This marks a departure from previous tournaments, where the captain’s availability was rarely in question during the lead-up to the World Cup.
Argentina’s next fixture is a friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday. This match serves as the final tune-up before the Albiceleste resumes training in Kansas City, where they are scheduled to begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.
The injury concerns extend beyond Argentina, with other major nations also navigating fitness issues. Brazil defender Wesley left their 2-1 victory over Egypt in tears after a suspected serious muscle injury, though teams retain the ability to make squad changes up to one day before their first tournament game.
As the tournament approaches, Messi’s status remains a focal point. Widely expected to retire from international football after this campaign, he holds the record for the most World Cup matches played with 26 and requires four more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record of 16.
