Lionel Messi and Argentina have begun their first open training session in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste are the defending champions and will look to retain their crown this summer.
No team has won the World Cup two times in a row since Brazil in 1962, and if Argentina are to pull off that incredible achievement, Lionel Messi will have to be at his best.
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However, there have been doubts surrounding the Inter Miami captain being 100 per cent ready. The 38-year-old had to be substituted with what seemed like a knock during Inter Miami’s last game before the MLS halted for the World Cup.
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed the Argentine was withdrawn as a precaution, with the player suffering from what seemed like fatigue. And now, after joining the Argentina camp, it seems like Lionel Messi is still under rehabilitation.
Lionel Scaloni and co. hit the ground for their maiden practice session before the tournament at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City.
According to Argentine outlet Diario Ole (h/t World Soccer Talk), Lionel Messi did not take part in the group training. Instead, the Argentina captain was seen training on his own, under the watchful eyes of Scaloni and the staff.
It has been claimed that Argentina do not want to take any chances with the recovery of their star man. Due to the discomfort he felt in his hamstring during the game against Philadelphia Union, the world champions are only focusing on a gradual increase in workload.
Lionel Messi is currently training under the supervision of longtime Argentina kinesiologist Luis Garcia and fitness coach Luis Martin. As per the report, the star forward is expected to miss the first pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras this Saturday. However, Argentina are hopeful of him clocking some minutes against Iceland on June 9.
Who will Lionel Messi and Argentina face in 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages?
Argentina are in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. La Albiceleste begin their title defense with a game against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
They face Austria in Arlington on June 22 before their final game of the group stage against Jordan on June 27 at the same venue.
Notably, Argentina lost the opening game of their 2022 campaign against Saudi Arabia before they went on to become champions in Qatar. The South American giants will be hoping for a bright start to the campaign this time around.
Edited by Nived Zenith
