Lionel Messi trained alone at Argentina’s U.S. base camp on Monday, the first session since muscle fatigue sidelined him on May 24. The 38‑year‑old Inter Miami captain performed a targeted drill on the Kansas City field, indicating progress toward a return for the World Cup opener.

Medical staff confirmed the issue stems from a left hamstring strain, but physiotherapists report steady improvement. Messi joined a handful of teammates—Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Nico Paz and Leandro Paredes—in separate workouts, while Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina continue individualized rehab programs under close monitoring through the camp’s elite facilities to expedite recovery.

Coach Lionel Scaloni received further good news as forward Cristian Romero and striker Julián Álvarez cleared their respective injuries, making them available for Saturday’s friendly against Honduras. Their inclusion restores depth on the wings and in attack, giving Scaloni more tactical options ahead of the tournament now.

Argentina’s schedule features a warm‑up versus Iceland in Auburn on June 9 before the June 16 clash with Algeria in Kansas City, where the defending champions open their campaign. With Messi nearing fitness and key attackers back, the team will field its strongest possible lineup for the opener and aim to dominate today.