Lionel Messi was left out of Argentina’s matchday squad on Sunday as the defending world champions secured a 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras in Texas. The 38-year-old national team captain remains a major doubt for the final phase of tournament preparations due to persistent muscle fatigue.
The BBC and Al Jazeera reported that Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni made the definitive decision to rest Messi as a precautionary measure. The veteran forward has not featured in a competitive match since May 24, when he was substituted during an Inter Miami MLS fixture after experiencing a hamstring strain in his left leg. Scaloni clarified to reporters that while the forward’s recovery is progressing positively, the technical staff will not risk his physical fitness so close to the tournament opener.
Despite the captain’s absence at Kyle Field, goals from Lautaro Martínez and Giuliano Simeone sealed the win for the South American side. The Argentine medical department is closely monitoring Messi’s workload, with team training logs confirming he only recently rejoined limited group sessions in Miami. Argentina are scheduled to begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria on June 16, leaving the talismanic number 10 just over a week to achieve full match fitness.
