Messi Misses Friendly Against Honduras Due to Hamstring Concerns

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Lionel Messi did not participate in Argentina's friendly match against Honduras on Saturday night as he manages some muscle fatigue along with a mild strain in his left hamstring in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. Although the 39-year-old forward was seen warming up with his teammates at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M campus, he ultimately remained on the bench, watching as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory.

The Argentine national team has indicated that Messi's recovery timeline will depend on “his clinical and functional progress.” Following this match, Argentina is set to face Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday as they finalize their preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off with their title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.

During a training session in Kansas City on Wednesday, Messi arrived after the rest of the squad and conducted some conditioning exercises separately. As one of the most celebrated players in soccer history, Messi is anticipated to retire from international play following this summer's tournament. He currently holds the record for the most World Cup appearances at 26 and requires just four more goals to break Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.