Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi completed his first individual training session with the Argentina national team ahead of the World Cup, according to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) website.

The team's first training session took place in Kansas, USA. Before the tournament begins, the Argentinians will play friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland on June 6 and 9, respectively.

"Players experiencing discomfort or recovering from injuries continue to work with the physiotherapy team, performing specific exercises on the pitch. Their recovery is progressing well, and they are showing positive progress," the AFA statement read.

On May 25, Messi, who plays for “Inter Miami”, was substituted in the 73rd minute of the MLS match against the “Philadelphia Union” (6-4) due to physical discomfort. The club later announced that an examination revealed the 38-year-old forward had suffered a strain related to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. A recovery timeline was not specified.

The World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina will play in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

This will be Messi's sixth tournament. He is the all-time leading scorer in the Spanish league, “Barcelona”, and the Argentina national team. With his national team, the forward has won two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), the “Finalissima” (2022), and the 2022 World Cup.