Fabrizio Romano has just provided an injury update on three Argentina stars at the World Cup, including Lionel Messi.
The tournament kicked off last Thursday, but Argentina’s first group stage match is not until Tuesday night.
The defending champions are set to face Group J opponents Algeria at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium.
Argentina will feel confident of beating the African nation after the latest update on Messi and two other key players.
What Fabrizio Romano said about Lionel Messi’s fitness situation
Even though Lionel Messi is now 38 years old and plays for Inter Miami, he remains one of the best players in the world.
His only weakness is his body, as it is not as robust as it was when Argentina won the World Cup four years ago.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni will need to manage Messi’s playing time this summer to ensure that he does not get injured.
This will be especially important following his return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
Messi is fully fit for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria, although he will probably not play 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, both Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martinez are reportedly ready to play against Algeria on Tuesday.
“Good news for Argentina ahead of the World Cup as three crucial players are feeling better and are ready to arrive in the best [shape],” Romano said.
“[Emiliano] Martinez is improving his condition, while his future is still open, with seven clubs interested in the goalkeeper.
“Keep an eye on the situation around his physical condition, but Argentina are optimistic about having him 100 per cent ready for the start of the World Cup.
“Also, Cristian Romero, the centre-back and fantastic World Cup winner, is now improving after the injury he suffered close to the end of the season with Tottenham. He’s getting better, and he will arrive ready for the World Cup.
“Then, Lionel Messi is back to training and available to play for Argentina after the injury he suffered with Inter Miami was not that serious. Lionel Messi will be absolutely ready for the start of the World Cup.”
Argentina will benefit from having Martinez, Romero and Messi available now, but Scaloni must also consider the latter stages.
All three will need to stay fit for the entire tournament for Argentina to defend their World Cup title.
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