Lionel Messi sat out Argentina's friendly against Honduras as he continues to manage muscle fatigue and a mild left hamstring strain ahead of the World Cup.
Messi, who will turn 39 in three weeks, warmed up with his teammates at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M University campus before the match on Saturday (local time). However, he remained on the bench and watched his side secure a 2-0 victory.
Argentina's coaching staff stated that Messi's recovery timeline depends on 'his clinical and functional progression.'
Messi was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by his MLS club Inter Miami after he was substituted early in the 73rd minute during Miami's 6-4 win over Philadelphia late last month.
Argentina will face Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday in their final warm-up match before regrouping in Kansas City. There, the Albiceleste will begin their World Cup title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16.
During a training session in Kansas City on Wednesday, Messi took the field later than his teammates and completed individual fitness drills.
Messi, who is expected to retire from international duty after the tournament, holds the record for the most World Cup appearances (26 matches) and needs four more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals.
Meanwhile, other major teams also secured victories in their friendlies. Brazil beat Egypt 2-1, Germany defeated co-hosts USA 2-1, and England edged New Zealand 1-0. Portugal overcame Chile 2-1, while Belgium thrashed Tunisia 5-0.
