Scaloni Provides Positive Update on Messi's Recovery

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the media ahead of his team's friendly match against Honduras, revealing encouraging news regarding Lionel Messi's recovery from injury. Messi, who has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain sustained during his last game with Inter Miami, is making progress and may see some action in the upcoming friendlies. The defending World Cup champions will face Honduras in College Station, Texas, on Saturday, followed by a match against Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. Scaloni expressed relief at Messi's improvement, saying, “He's much better and that gives us peace of mind.”

In addition to Messi, the medical team has been busy addressing other player injuries. Goalkeeper Juan Musso from Atletico Madrid will start against Honduras due to Emiliano Martinez's injury, who is recovering from a fractured ring finger. Martinez is expected to return for the World Cup opener against Algeria.

Scaloni also mentioned the inclusion of debutant Santiago Beltran, a young goalkeeper from River Plate. Meanwhile, right backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are dealing with muscle injuries, leading to the call-up of Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo. Center-back Cristian Romero is back in training but may not be match-ready yet.

“The situation is improving,” Scaloni remarked regarding the overall health of his squad. He noted the importance of not risking players in these friendly matches, although there might be a slim chance for some to participate in the second game. Argentina's World Cup journey begins on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.