Argentina captain Lionel Messi trained separately from the main squad during the team’s first practice session in the United States as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 38-year-old forward, who plays for Inter Miami, has been sidelined since May 24 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. Despite the setback, Messi is expected to regain full fitness in time for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
After joining the national team’s training camp in Kansas City, Messi followed an individual rehabilitation programme rather than participating in full team activities.
Providing an update on the squad’s condition, the Argentine Football Association said players dealing with injuries and minor fitness concerns were continuing specialised work with the physiotherapy staff and were showing encouraging progress.
Messi is not the only player managing fitness issues. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, along with Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina, also trained separately from the main group as they continue to recover from various niggles.
However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni received positive news with the return of defender Cristian Romero and striker Julián Álvarez to full training.
Romero has recovered from a ligament sprain in his right knee, while Álvarez has returned after overcoming an ankle injury that had kept him out since early May.
The reigning world champions will continue their preparations with a friendly against Honduras on Saturday before facing Iceland in another warm-up match on June 9.
Argentina will launch their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16 before taking on Austria and Jordan in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
