Messi trains separately as Argentina manage fitness for World Cup

Lionel Messi trained on his own on Monday during Argentina’s first World Cup camp session in Kansas City, Missouri. The captain followed an individual program as a precaution for left hamstring muscle fatigue first noted on May 24. Team staff expect him to be available for the June 16 opener against Algeria in Kansas City. The defending champions have assembled in the United States to begin their tournament build-up.

Messi completed specific exercises alongside several teammates who are also managing minor fitness issues. The Argentina Football Association said players with niggles and injuries continue to work with the physiotherapy team on tailored drills on the pitch and are making good progress. The approach reflects a focus on monitoring workloads during the opening days of camp.

At 38, the Inter Miami captain’s preparation is being calibrated to balance intensity and recovery ahead of a long tournament. The session format allows medical and performance staff to track how he responds to training while preserving his availability for match action.

Hamstring fatigue managed with individual work

The muscle fatigue in Messi’s left hamstring has been monitored since May 24, prompting the individualized workload at the start of camp. Separate sessions are a common precaution for players returning to full rhythm, especially when the objective is to keep them fresh for competitive minutes rather than push volume early in the week.

Argentina’s staff have indicated there is no change to expectations for his participation, with plans proceeding under the assumption he will be ready for the team’s first match. The federation noted that players following individualized plans are progressing well under the guidance of the medical and physiotherapy departments.

Argentina’s schedule before June 16 opener

Argentina, ranked third in the world, will play a final warm-up game against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama. That fixture serves as the last tune-up before the title defense begins against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Camp sessions this week are expected to focus on fitness management, set-piece work and match preparation.

The early-camp structure typically ramps from individual and small-group work to broader tactical sessions as availability stabilizes. The staff will adjust training loads based on daily assessments to keep the squad in optimal condition for the opening match.

Historic milestone for the captain

Messi is set to compete in his record sixth World Cup, extending a career with the national team that began in 2005. He is Argentina’s all-time leader in caps, with 198 appearances, and goals, with 116, underscoring his central role in the squad’s ambitions this summer.

While the first days of camp are centered on fitness and recovery, Argentina’s plans continue to revolve around the availability of their captain and other players managing minor issues. The team will provide updates through the week as preparations advance toward the June 9 friendly and the World Cup opener.