Lionel Messi trained away from the main Argentina squad during the reigning champions’ opening World Cup session in the United States, putting fresh focus on his fitness just days before the start of the tournament.
According to reports from Reuters, Messi followed a separate training routine involving “specific exercises” at Argentina’s training base in Kansas City as Lionel Scaloni’s side kicked off preparations on Monday. The 38-year-old has been dealing with fatigue in his left hamstring since late May, although he is still expected to feature in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
Messi placed on individual training programme
Concerns around Messi’s condition first surfaced during Inter Miami CF’s chaotic 6 4 MLS victory over Philadelphia Union, when the Argentine star walked off in the 73rd minute after clutching the back of his thigh following a free kick.
The timing immediately raised alarms given Argentina’s approaching World Cup title defence.
Inter Miami later released a medical update confirming that Messi was suffering from muscle fatigue linked to overload in his left hamstring.
“After undergoing further medical tests this Monday, the initial diagnosis indicates an overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” the club stated.
The MLS side also said that Messi’s return to full activity would depend on how he progresses physically over the coming days.
Argentina keeping calm over Messi fitness concerns
Despite the attention surrounding Messi, Argentina have so far avoided escalating concerns over the situation. The national team indicated that multiple players are currently being managed carefully by the medical staff due to minor physical issues.
“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,” the Argentine Football Association said in an update.
For now, Messi’s separate training schedule is not being viewed internally as a serious setback. Still, Argentina’s cautious approach is understandable considering the veteran forward remains the centrepiece of the squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The upcoming tournament could also mark Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, extending one of the most remarkable international careers in football history. The eight time Ballon d’Or winner remains Argentina’s all time leading scorer with 116 goals in 198 appearances.
Argentina will face Iceland in a final warm up fixture on June 9 in Alabama before beginning their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City a week later.
That schedule gives Messi additional time to gradually increase his workload and return to full team sessions before the tournament begins.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos had earlier attempted to downplay the issue, saying Messi simply appeared exhausted after playing on a difficult and heavy surface. Even so, Argentina are unlikely to take any unnecessary risks with their captain ahead of a tournament where expectations remain sky high.
At the moment, the mood inside the Argentina camp remains cautious rather than concerned. Messi is still training separately, but the official updates suggest positive progress as the defending champions continue preparations for another World Cup run.
