“Messi may return to play before the World Cup, reveals Argentine coach.”

The future of [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/christian-pulisic-e-o-peso-da-camisola-10-da-selecao-dos-eua/) in the Argentina national team is about to be revealed, with coach [Lionel Scaloni](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/argentina-em-apuros-defesa-central-balerdi-falha-o-mundial/) sending a signal of hope to the millions of fans eagerly awaiting the star’s return before the World Cup. The 37-year-old star, who recently suffered a muscle injury, may be fit to play in the two friendly matches leading up to the most important tournament in world football.

Concerns escalated at the end of May when Messi was forced to leave his last game for [Inter Miami](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/harry-kane-brilha-em-jogo-morno-da-selecao-inglesa-antes-do-mundial/) with evident difficulties. Initially, the injury was attributed to fatigue, but it quickly became clear that it was a hamstring issue, leaving the football world in suspense. Scaloni, who shared the initial uncertainty about the star’s physical condition, has now revealed that subsequent tests and the player’s response to light training sessions have raised hopes for a swift return.

“Leo is progressing well,” the Argentine coach stated at a press conference on Friday. “He trained part of the time with the group, which is important. He is not fully recovered yet, but he is making progress. He may even participate in the friendly matches, perhaps in the first or second game. He is much better, and that reassures us.”

With the World Cup fast approaching, preparation matches are taking on vital importance for Argentina, and the possible inclusion of Messi in these games could provide a decisive boost to the team’s morale. The responsibility for the decision regarding his participation naturally falls on the player himself, with Scaloni assuring that Messi is involved in all decisions regarding his physical condition: “Every step we take, we discuss with him.”

The recent history of Messi with injuries is neither unprecedented nor easy. In the final of the 2024 Copa América, the Argentine captain had to leave the field due to intense pain during a match against Colombia, leaving fans and teammates worried. “He wanted to keep playing, regardless of the importance of the game,” Scaloni recalled in an interview with the newspaper Olé. “When he leaves in tears, it’s because something is really wrong. After that final, he was out for a long time, which really shows his dedication.”

On that occasion, Messi suffered a ligament injury in his ankle that kept him off the pitch for two months, one of the longest absences of his career, since his teenage years at Barcelona when he broke a metatarsal. This resilience and desire to play, even in the face of pain, confirm that if there is any chance to play this summer, Messi will do everything to seize it.

The anticipation is immense, and the football world is on hold, waiting for the moment when the Argentine genius can return, ready to shine and lead Argentina in the defense of their world title. If his participation in the preparation matches is confirmed, the team led by Scaloni gains a crucial boost towards glory in Qatar.

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