Lionel Messi is big enough that he trained solo as the defending World Cup champion Argentina held its first practice in the U.S.
The Inter Miami captain has been struggling with fatigue in his left hamstring since May 24 but should be fit for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.
Messi, 38, went to Argentina’s training base in Kansas City on Monday and did “targeted work” with a number of team mates also nursing fitness issues.
Argentina’s Football Association said: “The players suffering from niggles and injuries are still working with the physios on some specific exercises on the pitch and are progressing positively.”
The 3rd-ranked FIFA/Coca-Cola world ranking side, Argentina will face its last send-off clash against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Ala.
And Messi, two-time MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is playing in his record sixth World Cup. The midfielder, who debuted with the national team in 2005, is Argentina’s all-time caps and goals leader (198 and 116).