Lionel Messi Nears World Cup Return After Muscle Injury
Lionel Messi is expected to be match-fit in time for the upcoming World Cup, which kicks off this Thursday across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 38-year-old superstar has returned to team training with defending champion Argentina just two weeks after sustaining a muscle injury, raising hopes for his participation in the tournament’s opening stages.
Recovery Progress and Team Outlook
Messi originally suffered the muscle injury on May 24 during a league match for his club, Inter Miami. Following a period of separate rehabilitation, he successfully completed parts of the team training session this past Friday. Team manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed the positive development, noting that Messi is no longer training in isolation and is showing significant improvement.
While the team is encouraged by his progress, his immediate role remains cautious. Scaloni indicated that Messi could potentially see action for a few minutes during the upcoming preparatory friendlies to test his fitness. Argentina is scheduled to face Honduras in College Station, Texas, on Sunday (2:00 AM CEST) and will conclude their World Cup preparations against Iceland in Alabama this coming Tuesday.
Lionel Messi’s return to team training comes exactly two weeks after his initial muscle injury, which occurred during a May 24 championship match for Inter Miami.
Defensive Setback for the Albiceleste
The positive news regarding Messi is tempered by a significant roster loss for Argentina. The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Saturday that 27-year-old defender Leonardo Balerdi will miss the tournament entirely. The Olympique Marseille interior defender, who has earned 11 caps for the national team, is sidelined due to a muscle injury in his right calf.
The loss of a seasoned player like Balerdi creates a defensive void that forces manager Lionel Scaloni to adjust his tactical depth just days before the opener. While Messi’s return provides a massive boost to the squad’s offensive morale, the team must now prove they can maintain defensive stability without Balerdi throughout the group stage matches.
What Happens Next?
Following the final warm-up match against Iceland, Argentina will focus on their tournament opener. The world champions are set to face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. A subsequent match against the Austrian national team (ÖFB-Auswahl) is scheduled for June 22 in Arlington. Depending on his performance in the upcoming friendlies, Messi may be cleared for a starting role or limited substitution duties as the tournament progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lionel Messi sustain his injury?
Messi suffered his muscle injury on May 24 during a championship match for his club, Inter Miami.
Will Leonardo Balerdi play in the World Cup?
No, the Argentine Football Association confirmed that Balerdi will miss the tournament due to a muscle injury in his right calf.
When is Argentina’s first match of the tournament?
Argentina’s opening match is scheduled for June 16 in Kansas City against Algeria.
How do you think Argentina’s defensive rotation will hold up in the absence of Leonardo Balerdi?