Messi could be fit enough to play in pre-World Cup friendlies

Lionel Messi could feature in one of Argentina's friendlies before the World Cup after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Messi had to be substituted in Inter Miami's final MLS game before the World Cup break, leaving the pitch holding the back of his left leg.

He has since been named in Argentina's squad for the upcoming tournament, where they will aim to defend their title, with Lionel Scaloni remaining optimistic that he will be fit in time for their opener against Algeria on June 16.

Prior to that, the Albiceleste face Honduras on Saturday, before taking on Iceland three days later, and Scaloni says Messi is ahead of schedule in his return to fitness.

"Leo is doing well," Scaloni said. "Leo trained for ​a part [of the Friday practice] with the group, which is important.

"​He's not fully separated. He's coming along. He may be part ⁠of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies.

"We'll ​see if it's the one [on Saturday] or the next one. But he's doing a ​lot better, and that gives us tranquillity."

Messi holds the all-time record for most World Cup appearances, with 26 matches played (13 goals, eight assists).

During Argentina's victorious campaign in 2022, he scored or assisted 10 of Argentina's 15 goals (seven goals, three assists).

Scaloni's side won their previous two friendlies in March, beating Mauritania and Zambia, scoring seven goals in the process and conceding just once.