Messi Trains Alone As Argentina Begin World Cup Preparation

Lionel Messi sat out Argentina's first full training session at their World Cup base, yet coaching staff still expect participation in the opening match against Algeria on 16 June, after muscle fatigue limited Messi in recent days and raised concern around Argentina's title defence plans.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner completed only light drills on Tuesday in Kansas City, working away from the main group, while Emiliano Martinez, Nico Paz and Thiago Almada also managed ongoing fitness issues, nine days before the World Cup kicks off.

According to Argentina's Football Association, several squad members dealing with minor injuries stayed on tailored programmes with the physiotherapy staff, performing specific on-pitch exercises, and were "making good progress", with the statement reported by ESPN as Argentina tried to manage workloads before competitive action.

Argentina's build-up includes two World Cup warm-up fixtures against Honduras and Iceland, scheduled before the Group J opener with Algeria on 16 June, followed by further group matches against Austria and Jordan, giving coaches more time to assess Messi's condition and adjust plans if any setback appears.

Messi currently has 13 World Cup goals, leaving the Argentina captain three short of Miroslav Klose's all-time mark of 16, while the forward stands on 198 international appearances and could soon reach 200 caps during the tournament.

Data from Opta's supercomputer gives Argentina a 10.4% chance of retaining the World Cup, ranking fourth behind Spain on 16.1%, France on 13% and England on 11.2%, figures that underline how much Argentina rely on Messi's fitness for another deep run.