Lionel Messi is recovering well from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, sustained May 25 with Inter Miami, according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. The 38-year-old star trained partially with the group ahead of Saturday's friendly against Honduras in College Station, Texas. Scaloni expressed optimism about Messi potentially getting minutes in these warmup matches before Argentina's World Cup defense begins June 16.

Four Argentina players—Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Nico Paz, and Gonzalo Montiel—continue rehabilitating separately from the squad. Scaloni confirmed these players won't participate in the friendlies if not fully recovered, with final roster decisions coming in the final week before the tournament. The manager maintained the team will replace injured players on the 26-man roster if necessary.

Argentina begins its title defense against Algeria in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J. With the tournament approaching quickly, Scaloni faces delicate balancing act between ensuring players recover completely while maintaining competitive rhythm. The team's medical staff continues monitoring all players closely, with final fitness assessments expected just before the first match.