Messi Sits Out Argentina vs Honduras Friendly With Hamstring Concern — Trains Individually in Kansas City; Scaloni Expects Fit for June 16 Opener

Lionel Messi sat out Argentina's pre-tournament friendly against Honduras on June 7, training separately on an individual programme in Kansas City while the squad played the warm-up match. Scaloni confirmed the absence is precautionary — Messi has been managing a 'muscular overload' in his left hamstring since Inter Miami's final MLS match in late May. The coach expressed confidence that Messi will be fit for Argentina's Group J opener vs Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. Messi's status for the final pre-tournament friendly vs Iceland on June 9 is doubtful. The decision to rest Messi is consistent with Argentina's careful management of the 38-year-old star, who was officially confirmed in the 26-man World Cup squad on May 30 by coach Scaloni. Messi is competing at a record-equalling sixth World Cup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's record. Separately, the already-confirmed absence of defender Leonardo Balerdi (soleus injury, ruled out June 6) and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez's fractured finger add to Argentina's medical concerns ahead of their title defense. Despite the injuries, Argentina remain among the tournament favorites as defending champions. 4 days to World Cup kickoff at Estadio Azteca.