Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed his side’s pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras due to muscle fatigue and a mild hamstring strain. Team officials said his return will depend on his clinical and functional recovery progress.
The 38-year-old forward took part in the pre-match warm-up at Kyle Field in Texas. However, he remained on the bench throughout the match. Argentina secured a comfortable 2-0 victory while their star player watched from the sidelines.
Messi suffered the injury while playing for Inter Miami CF. He left the club’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union in the 73rd minute late last month. Subsequent medical assessments confirmed muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
Argentina Prepare for World Cup Title Defence
Argentina will face Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama, in their final warm-up match before the tournament. The squad will then return to training in Kansas City ahead of its opening World Cup fixture.
During a recent training session, Messi arrived on the field after his teammates. He completed conditioning exercises separately as part of his recovery programme.
The reigning world champions will begin their title defence against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16. Argentina hopes to have Messi fully fit before the crucial opening match.
Messi, who turns 39 later this month, is widely expected to retire from international football after the tournament. He currently holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 26 matches. Moreover, he needs four more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
