Lionel Messi is comfortably training with the Argentina National Team ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash against Peru.
Messi looked fit and comfortable, with Argentina set to fly to Lima in a day’s time.
La Albiceleste will hope to extend their lead on top of the CONMEBOL standings as they take on a struggling Peru side.
When asked by TYC Sports about whether Messi will play against Peru, head coach Lionel Scaloni had this to say: “It’s talking to him and asking him how he is. If he’s okay. “It’s a matter of minutes, of how much he can play. If he’s good, you know what I think. If he’s good, he plays. There’s nothing more to say.”
Messi’s expected involvement in the match comes days after his 37-minute cameo against Paraguay. The 36-year-old has been on the road to recovery after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of Miami’s last four games in Major League Soccer.
Both Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino and the aforementioned Scaloni have been careful with Messi’s minutes as he builds up to full fitness. Another potential 35 to 40-minute cameo against Peru will be what the Argentine needs to get there.
Messi returning to fitness
Argentina will want to extend their lead at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup standings. With Brazil lurking just two points behind them, it’s imperative that they beat Peru.
The White and Sky Blues may have to rely on Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez to lead the line, with Messi’s status up in the air.
Since winning the World Cup last November, Argentina have been unbeaten in their last 13 matches. Scaloni’s men are a force to be reckoned with.
As Messi works his way back to playing a full 90 minutes, it’s only a matter of time before he gets to show his magic on the pitch for Argentina and Inter Miami once more.