Lionel Messi targeting return against Iceland ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 - Report
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Argentine star is continuing his recovery.
Lionel Messi exercised alone in Argentina’s first practice session in the United States, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The Inter Miami captain has been out with muscular fatigue in his left hamstring since May 24, but he is expected to be back fit in time for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
Lionel Messi, 38, joined the national team at their base camp in Kansas City and participated in a session so far this week.
Argentina will play their final warm-up game against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama, before starting their World Cup title defence against Algeria the following week in Kansas City.
The Albiceleste will face Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas, for their next group games.
Messi pushing to be available for Iceland game
According to journalist Diego Monroig, Lionel Messi is hoping to be in full fitness to participate in Argentina’s warm-up game against Iceland.
However, before facing Iceland, the South American giants are going to face Honduras in a friendly game this week, which Lionel Messi is set to miss.
But the former Barcelona starman is aiming to be fit for their last friendly game before the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign.
The forward has continued to train, but it is yet to be known when the forward will return to full fitness. Meanwhile, Argentina, who have already landed in the USA, continue to prepare for the competition; they will hope their talisman will be available for the opening World Cup match.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s side wouldn’t want to take any risk with their star player and will only let him participate in the game if they get a green light from the medical team.
Which injury has Lionel Messi suffered?
He has sustained a hamstring injury.
How long will he be out?
He is aiming to be fit for the second friendly game against Iceland.
When is Argentina’s first World Cup game?
It’s on 17th June, at 6:30 am IST.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.