38-Year-Old Messi Is Back, But The *Real* Story For Argentina's World Cup Is Hidden In Practice Reports

Woah, hold up, fellow fanatics! You know we bleed green and blue here in the Emerald City, but sometimes you gotta look at the global game, especially when it's about the biggest trophy in the world. Argentina is gearing up for their World Cup opener on June 16, and let me tell you, the buzz around their health is looking seriously good. The reigning champs are trending up, and it's not just about their superstar.

The GOAT's Hamstring Scare Is Fading

Okay, so let's talk the GOAT, Lionel Messi. Yeah, the dude had us all sweating for a minute. Left hamstring muscle fatigue, right? Forced him off the pitch on May 25 in his final Inter Miami match before the World Cup break. Scary stuff, for real. But the word on the street is he's recovering, and get this, he might even see some minutes in their tune-up friendly against Iceland this Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. Whether he plays this week or not, this 38-year-old legend is still expected to become one of only two players EVER to hit six World Cups, alongside Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo. That's seriously unreal, folks.

Three Key Players Just Got A Massive Boost

But here's where it gets REALLY interesting, and maybe where the "real story" is, as our headline teased. Beyond Messi's impressive comeback, the whole squad's health is looking better by the day. Midfielder Nico Paz, defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, all those guys were full participants in Sunday's training session out in Kansas City, Kansas! Paz, who's only 21 and ready for his World Cup debut, was sidelined since May 10 with a left knee injury he picked up playing for his club team Como in Italy. To see him back and fully involved? Huge. And Molina and Montiel? They're no joke. These two right backs have a combined 96 appearances for Argentina, and they were both absolutely crucial for that 2022 World Cup winning squad. Remember Molina's only international goal? Yeah, that was in 2022, on their way to Argentina's third World Cup title! These guys are legit difference-makers.

The Rest Of The Squad Is Rounding Into Form Too

And we're not even done! Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and midfielder Leandro Paredes continued to work off to the side at Sunday's practice. Not full participation yet, sure, but Martinez has already gone on record saying he'll be available. And Paredes' injury? Reports say it's not expected to sideline him for the World Cup either. It sounds like this team, the reigning champions of the world, is rounding into prime form at the absolute perfect time. Talk about momentum!

So, what's next for the champs? Argentina kicks off their title defense against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, Missouri, as part of Group J play. Then they've got Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27. With everyone getting healthy, you know they're gonna be absolutely fired up to defend that trophy. This is gonna be a wild ride, folks. Get ready!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.