“Messi Is Much Better Than Before”
Collected Photo
With only five days left before the FIFA World Cup kicks off, global attention is centered on Lionel Messi’s injury status. The Argentine superstar, who suffered muscle fatigue in his left thigh while playing for Inter Miami, is being carefully managed by the national team, which does not want to rush his recovery.
Ahead of the tournament’s warm-up matches, head coach Lionel Scaloni has finally spoken about whether Messi will feature on the pitch.
Speaking at a press conference during training in the United States, Scaloni confirmed that Messi’s recovery is progressing positively and he may get some minutes in the friendly matches before the World Cup.
“Leo is doing much better now. He has completed a large part of training with the team, which is very important for us. His physical condition is improving, and he may play some minutes in the friendly matches to regain match rhythm,” Scaloni said.
Argentina will face Honduras on Sunday morning Bangladesh time at 6 AM, followed by their final warm-up match against Iceland before the World Cup. However, the coach did not confirm in which match Messi will play, saying the management will monitor his condition daily.
“We will see whether he plays tomorrow against Honduras or in the next match. But he is much better than before, which gives the whole team relief,” he added.
Despite the positive update on Messi, Scaloni is not willing to take any risks with other injured players such as Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, and young midfielder Nico Paz. They are expected to miss the first friendly against Honduras.
Emphasizing strict fitness standards ahead of the World Cup, Scaloni made it clear he is ready to make tough decisions if necessary.
“If any player does not regain at least the minimum level of fitness for the World Cup, they will be dropped from the final squad. If we have to make such a hard decision for the sake of the team, we will do it,” he said.
Argentina will begin their World Cup title defense on June 16 against Algeria. In Group J, their other opponents are Austria and Jordan.
As the team prepares to step onto the world stage, the biggest hope in the Albiceleste camp is that captain Messi can return to full fitness.
