Messi Trains Alone in Argentina's First World Cup Practice Session in USA

Kathmandu. Lionel Messi, who is recovering from a left hamstring muscle fatigue before the World Cup, trained alone in the team's first practice session held at Argentina's training camp in the USA.

The current World Cup-winning Argentine football team has gathered in the USA for World Cup preparations since this week. The team completed its first training session before the tournament in Kansas City, USA on Monday.

Inter Miami captain Messi has been suffering from a left hamstring muscle fatigue problem since May 24. However, he is expected to be ready to take the field against Algeria in Argentina's first match, which will be held in Kansas City on June 16.

In a statement issued by the Football Association of Argentina, it said, 'Players suffering from minor injuries and physical problems have continued special practice on the field with the physiotherapy team, and their condition has shown positive improvement.'

Argentina, ranked third in the world rankings, will play its final preparatory match before the World Cup against Iceland on June 9.

Messi, a two-time MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, is playing in his record sixth World Cup. Since his debut for the national team in 2005, he has become the player with the most appearances (198) and the highest number of goals (116) for Argentina.