Messi is undertaking “specific exercises” to recover from muscle strain in his left hamstring ahead of the World Cup.
Published June 3, 2026
Lionel Messi trained independently during the Argentina national team’s first practice session at the base camp in the United States, where the team met this week to prepare for the World Cup.
The defending World Cup champions held their first pre-tournament training Monday in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Inter Miami captain has been suffering from muscle strain in his left hamstring since May 24, but is expected to be fit for Argentina’s opening match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
Messi, 38, joined his training base in Argentina and worked on “specific exercises” with several teammates who are also grappling with fitness issues.
“The players, who have suffered minor injuries and injuries, continue to work on specific on-pitch exercises in cooperation with the physiotherapy team and are making good progress,” the Argentine Football Association said in a statement.
Argentina, ranked third in the world, will play their final training match against Iceland on June 9th in Auburn, Alabama.
Messi, a two-time MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is playing in a record sixth World Cup. The midfielder is Argentina’s all-time leader in caps (198) and goals (116) since making his debut for the national team in 2005.
