Scaloni Addresses Messi's Injury Ahead of Argentina's World Cup Campaign

Argentina's national team coach Lionel Scaloni has provided an update on the condition of star player Lionel Messi following the injury he sustained prior to the team's World Cup campaign, which begins on June 16.

Scaloni revealed that Messi, aged 38, is dealing with a muscle strain in the left hamstring. This injury occurred on May 25 during his last match with Inter Miami before joining the Argentine squad's training camp.

Speaking to ESPN, Scaloni said, "Leo is fine, he has trained with the group for some time, which is important. He has not been completely separated from the team and is progressing positively. He might participate in the friendly matches to get some minutes in these two games. We will see if he plays tomorrow or in the next match, but he feels much better, and that gives us peace of mind."

Argentina is preparing to face Honduras on Saturday at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, in a friendly match. The team will then conclude its World Cup preparations against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on the following Tuesday.

Regarding the physical readiness of other squad members, players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Nico Paz, and Gonzalo Montiel are training separately from the group as they undergo rehabilitation programs to recover from injuries.

On their status, Scaloni commented, "The players training separately are improving. When we announced the squad, we were aware of their health conditions. They are fine, but we do not want to risk their participation in these friendlies. The idea is that they do not play in these matches, and they definitely will not play tomorrow. There may be a chance for one of them to participate in the next game, but this is the current situation."

Scaloni also emphasized that the coaching staff will not hesitate to replace any injured player in the 26-man World Cup squad if necessary.

He stated, "This is something that can happen. Today, we feel the players are doing well, but what we are absolutely sure of is that if any of them is not ready, they will be excluded."

The Argentine coach added, "This is clear to us. So far, they are fine, but we are monitoring them. When we reach the decisive phase, which will be in the last week when they need to increase their effort to ensure 100% readiness, we will make a decision, although it will be very painful if we have to exclude any player."

It is worth noting that Argentina will begin defending its World Cup title by facing Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group 10.