1 week ago
Argentina caput coach Lionel Scaloni has calmed fears complete Lionel Messi’s fitness, suggesting his latest wounded “is not that bad” pinch conscionable 2 weeks to spell earlier nan commencement of nan World Cup.
Messi was diagnosed pinch musculus fatigue successful his near hamstring by Inter Miami aft he made an abrupt exit from nan MLS’ club’s 6-4 triumph complete Philadelphia Union connected Sunday.
Aged 38, Messi remains Argentina’s talisman for nan defence of nan title they won successful Qatar 4 years ago. “Obviously we would person preferred that thing had happened,” Scaloni told Argentinian TV position DSports connected Tuesday. “Now 1 has to hold and spot really it evolves and supra each nan caller tests they are going to behaviour successful bid to spot if it confirms their original diagnosis.”
Scaloni, who is owed to sanction his squad adjacent week, added he had watched nan lucifer connected TV astatine nan federation’s office and been relieved that Messi had asked to travel off. Inter Miami head Guillermo Hoyos explained aft nan lucifer Messi was tired, nan transportation was dense and that he didn’t wanted to return a consequence pinch nan World Cup winner’s fitness.
Inter Miami’s connection connected Monday that “the timeline for his return to beingness activity will dangle connected his objective and functional progress” gave small denotation astir nan position of nan eight-time Ballon D’Or winner.
Argentina are group to statesman their World Cup run connected 16 June against Algeria successful Kansas City. They past play Austria connected 22 June and information disconnected their Group J run against Jordan connected 28 June. Messi has not formally confirmed he plans to play successful nan World Cup, but is wide expected to return for what would beryllium a record-matching sixth quality astatine nan finals. His awesome Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo and perchance Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa would besides beryllium making a sixth appearance.
Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami successful 2023, pinch squad unit regularly excusing him from matches successful congested fixture periods. MLS has started a break successful its play for nan World Cup, which is co-hosted by nan United States, Mexico and Canada.
Argentina are group to play 2 pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras connected 6 June and Iceland connected 9 June, some successful nan United States.
