Messi Sits Out Argentina Friendly With Hamstring Strain Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Messi will not participate in Argentina's friendly match against Honduras as he manages a mild left hamstring strain and muscle fatigue. The decision comes as the team prepares for their World Cup title defense.

Messi, who is approaching his 39th birthday, warmed up with his teammates at Kyle Field in Texas but remained on the bench for the game, which Argentina won 2-0. Team officials indicated that Messi's return to play is contingent on his "clinical and functional progress."

His Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, diagnosed the muscle fatigue after he left their match against Philadelphia prematurely late last month. Argentina's schedule includes another World Cup tune-up against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday, followed by training in Kansas City. The team will begin their World Cup defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.

Messi, widely expected to retire from international football after this tournament, holds the record for most World Cup matches with 26 appearances. He is also nearing Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record of 16, needing four more goals to surpass it.

In other friendly matches, Brazil and Germany secured narrow victories, while England and Portugal also won. Brazil defeated Egypt 2-1, with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick. Brazil's Wesley, however, appeared to suffer a serious muscle injury. Harry Kane's header led England to a 1-0 win over New Zealand.

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his clinical and functional progress