Lionel Messi did not take part in Argentina's first full training session at their World Cup camp, but he is expected to be fit to feature in their opening game.
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who propelled Argentina to glory in 2022, has been suffering from muscle fatigue.
He was able to train lightly on Tuesday in Kansas City, but did not join the team for their full session.
Emiliano Martinez, Nico Paz and Thiago Almada are among a number of other Argentina players nursing issues nine days out from the start of the tournament.
"The players who are suffering from niggles and injuries continue to work with the physiotherapy team on specific exercises on the pitch and are making good progress," Argentina's Football Association said, in a statement carried by ESPN.
Argentina take on Honduras and Iceland in pre-World Cup friendlies, before they open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16. They will then take on Austria and Jordan.
Messi, whose 13 World Cup goals are three shy of the all-time tournament record of 16, held by Miroslav Klose, is on 198 appearances for his country.
According to Opta's supercomputer, Argentina have a 10.4% chance of retaining their crown, making them fourth favourites for the tournament, behind Spain (16.1%), France (13%) and England (11.2%).
Jabacnostu
1
no worry they will play for him again, And the way Argentina's players help and protect messi is very amazing unless players from Portugal who being jealous and hated their leader CR7. Is hardly to win without being united, talent is not enough.
Their leadership style are different. Messi nurtures these young players and build their mentality, while Cristiano bullies them, dominate them and always shows it is him alone. Additionally, for almost a decade, Cristiano has been a burden to the team and dragging the team back always by sticking to the box area. He can't influence play or create chances as Messi is doing. The Portuguese players work harder and he takes all the credits. But, Messi leads as playmaker and chance creator with intelligent movement to make the team works. When pressure was intensed, he leads as mentally booster in a positive way with high confidence.
Richardoghale
0
Why didn’t your country qualify? Ozuor
Big Ozuor 😂🤣😂🤣
Richardoghale
0
Best has most assist and chances created and ronaldo just waits for tap ins so all his team works for him fool
You didn't have to insult him, you just told him the truth, and not just the truth, Cr7 fans are sick
voebeipsuy
0
Just fake injury so he won’t play friendlies
voebeipsuy
0
no worry they will play for him again, And the way Argentina's players help and protect messi is very amazing unless players from Portugal who being jealous and hated their leader CR7. Is hardly to win without being united, talent is not enough.
Best has most assist and chances created and ronaldo just waits for tap ins so all his team works for him fool
yenelmnopr
2
no worry they will play for him again, And the way Argentina's players help and protect messi is very amazing unless players from Portugal who being jealous and hated their leader CR7. Is hardly to win without being united, talent is not enough.
Lee2018
0
Perfect. Neymar Messi and Ronaldo will all look like fools. Wait, Neymar won’t play and he’s already looking like a fools. Move aside papies! Let the youth play!!!
Perfect profile pic of yours Grand papie 🤣😃🤣😝
fasacekmry
3
Argentina gonna win it again
Davichi
5
The GOAT will definitely be ready for the WC and he'd show us once again why he's the best.
Jehbcelotz
1
Perfect. Neymar Messi and Ronaldo will all look like fools. Wait, Neymar won’t play and he’s already looking like a fools. Move aside papies! Let the youth play!!!
Richcapone442
0
The Argentine squad all have injuries in them They are the first to come home
Wiyikmtz
0
Group J is easy match for Argentina
Why didn’t your country qualify? Ozuor
daadiknyz
0
the king of football is not making any noise as we all know what he can produce in the leather game... save your energy while the games start
Nowackotuz
1
Group J is easy match for Argentina
Football_Messi
0
we gotta work harder.. let's go guys