Lionel Messi's Recovery Progress Ahead of World Cup Opener
Messi Trains Separately as He Recovers
New York [US], June 2: Renowned football star Lionel Messi engaged in individual training during Argentina's initial practice session in the United States, focusing on his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The captain of Inter Miami has been out of action since May 24 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. However, reports suggest he is on track to achieve full fitness ahead of Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria on June 16, as per ESPN.
At the national team's training camp in Kansas City, the 38-year-old completed a tailored training regimen on Monday.
According to Argentina's Football Association, "Players dealing with minor injuries are collaborating with the physiotherapy team on targeted exercises and are showing positive progress."
In addition, several teammates, including Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nico Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina, are also addressing fitness issues and trained separately from the main squad.
Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, received encouraging news as defenders Cristian 'Cuti' Romero and forward Julian Alvarez returned to full training after being cleared for participation.
Romero has recovered from a ligament sprain in his right knee, while Alvarez is back in action after an ankle injury that kept him sidelined since May 5.
Argentina's next match is a warm-up friendly against Honduras on Saturday, followed by a game against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on June 9. They will kick off their World Cup journey against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, with subsequent group matches against Austria and Jordan later in the tournament.
The complete squad announced by Argentina includes:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, and Juan Musso.
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina.
Midfielders: Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz.