Scaloni provides positive update on Messi's recovery

Argentina's star forward Lionel Messi is on the mend from a left hamstring injury, showing positive progress that could see him feature in limited minutes during pre-World Cup friendlies, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni. Messi has rejoined team training sessions after initially working out separately.

"Leo is doing well, he has started training with the group. He is no longer completely isolated," Scaloni stated. "There is a possibility he will play a few minutes in the friendly match, either tomorrow or the next match." Argentina is scheduled to face Honduras in Texas and then Iceland in Alabama.

However, the team faces a setback with first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez sidelined due to a broken finger sustained during a warm-up for the Europa League final. Atletico Madrid's Juan Musso is expected to start in goal against Honduras, with young player Santiago Beltran also likely to get an opportunity.

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Leo is doing well, he has started training with the group. He is no longer completely isolated. There is a possibility he will play a few minutes in the friendly match, either tomorrow or the next match.

Further injury concerns plague the squad, with right-back defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel recovering from muscle injuries, leading to call-ups for Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo. Center-back Cristian Romero has returned to training after a knee injury but is not yet at full match fitness. Nicolas Paz is training separately after a knee knock, while Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez are also under medical observation.

Scaloni emphasized a cautious approach, stating, "We don't want to take risks. Some players might not play in this match." Argentina is set to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

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We don't want to take risks. Some players might not play in this match.