Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi is fit and ”looks good” ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria tomorrow.
Messi has not started a game since May 24 when he was taken off in Inter Miami’s Major League Soccer clash with the Philadelphia Union with muscle fatigue.
He made his return for Argentina in a warm-up game against Iceland last week, scoring one and helping create another in a 3-0 win in Alabama.
Scaloni confirmed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had not suffered any ill-effects from that 20-minute cameo and was raring to go as the defending champions look for an opening win in Kansas City.
He said: “Leo [Messi] has always been there and has always been fundamental, now he will be even more so and he looks good.”
In further good news for Argentina, Julian Alvarez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez are also fit.
“Julián (Álvarez) had the ankle problem but his recovery has borne fruit and for tomorrow he’s available and is an option,” added Scaloni. “Emiliano is fine. If everything continues well, I think he’s going to play.”
Argentina are ‘calm’ ahead of World Cup defence – Scaloni
Argentina are highly fancied to repeat their success achieved in Qatar four years ago and Scaloni says they are in a good place.
“We’re in the same state as the first day; balance is the word,” he said. “We try our best for the national team, for our country. Beyond the results, we’ve maintained the calm and the commitment.
“In recent years, we’ve reached this situation because we were able to decompress a bit. Playing calmly was the key. And yes, in any case, tension is felt, it happens to everyone, but it’s important to feel proud of giving everything no matter what happens.”
Algeria are Argentina’s first opponents in Group J that also contains Austria and Jordan.
Scaloni said: ”I think we’re going to face a good team, Algeria has earned its place in the World Cup. There have been matches that demonstrate that in this tournament, there are no easy games.”
