Argentina's World Cup preparations in the United States kicked off with a familiar sight: Lionel Messi training apart from the main group. The 38-year-old captain worked on his own during the squad's first session at the federation's base camp in Kansas City, following a structured recovery plan for persistent muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.
Messi has been sidelined since May 24, but team medical staff remain confident he will be ready for Argentina's opening match against Algeria on June 16. The individualized workout on Monday was a precautionary measure, not a sign of a serious setback, according to sources close to the Albiceleste camp.
Injury List Grows, But Key Players Return
The defending champions face a crowded medical room as they fine-tune their title defense. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nico González, Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nahuel Molina are all managing various physical complaints. This group trained separately, performing specialized field exercises under the supervision of the physiotherapy staff.
Despite the long list of names, the AFA noted that all sidelined players are progressing well, focusing on targeted rehabilitation to ensure structural stability before tournament football begins.
Manager Lionel Scaloni received a significant boost ahead of Saturday's warm-up friendly against Honduras. Tottenham defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero returned to full training after recovering from a right knee ligament sprain, while Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez also rejoined the main group following an ankle sprain that kept him out since May 5. Both received medical clearance on Monday, giving Scaloni more tactical flexibility as he finalizes his starting eleven.
After the Honduras match, Argentina will play their final preparation fixture against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on June 9. Then comes the real test: a World Cup group stage that begins against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.
For a deeper look at how Latino stars have shaped the modern game, check out our feature From Valderrama to Messi: How Latino Stars Built MLS and Now Lead World Cup 2026. And for more on Argentina's path through the tournament, read Argentina's 2026 World Cup Path: Messi and the Albiceleste Face Group J.
The Albiceleste are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title. With Messi's fitness the central question, every training session in Kansas City will be scrutinized. But for now, the mood in camp is cautiously optimistic.
