Messi injury boost as Argentina captain resumes group training and could play in upcoming friendlies ahead of the World Cup

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed that captain Lionel Messi is closing in on a return from injury and could feature in the team’s remaining World Cup warm-up matches before their tournament opener.

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Speaking on Friday ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas, Scaloni said Messi had resumed partial training with the squad after recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained while playing for Inter Miami.

The development provides a significant Messi Injury Boost for the defending world champions as they continue preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

“Leo is doing well, he has already trained partly with the group, he’s no longer completely separated,” Scaloni said.

“It’s possible he’ll play a few minutes in the friendlies. We’ll see whether that’s tomorrow’s game or the other one.”

Argentina face Honduras on Saturday before taking on Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday in their final preparations before the World Cup begins.

Scaloni said Messi’s progress had eased concerns within the camp.

“He’s much better and that gives us peace of mind,” he said.

The coaching staff is also managing several other injury concerns ahead of Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.

Goalkeeper Juan Musso is set to start against Honduras after first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez suffered a fracture to the ring finger of his right hand during preparations for the Europa League final.

Although Martinez will miss both warm-up matches, Argentina’s medical team expects him to be fit for the World Cup opener.

Scaloni also confirmed that young goalkeeper Santiago Beltran will be given an opportunity to make his debut during the friendlies.

In defence, Argentina remain without right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, who are recovering from muscle injuries.

To cover their absence, Scaloni has called up Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo for the two warm-up fixtures.

Centre-back Cristian Romero has returned to training after recovering from a knee sprain suffered in April, although he has yet to regain full match fitness.

Another player under close observation is Nicolas Paz, who is training separately after suffering a knee injury and has already been ruled out of the Honduras match.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes and forward Julian Alvarez also arrived in camp carrying minor fitness concerns.

Scaloni indicated that the coaching staff would be cautious with all recovering players to avoid setbacks before the World Cup.

“The situation is improving,” he said. “They’re fine, and we don’t want to risk them in these games.”

He added that the second friendly could offer some recovering players an opportunity to gain minutes, depending on their progress over the coming days.

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With Messi back in partial training and several injured players showing encouraging signs, Argentina have received a timely Messi Injury Boost as they aim to defend their world title.