Lionel Messi Prepares for World Cup in Kansas City

Lionel Messi stepped onto the grass in Kansas City on Monday, but not quite with the rest of Argentina.

While the World Cup holders went through their first full training session at their U.S. base camp, the captain moved slightly apart from the main group, working through a tailored routine as he manages muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

No alarm bells yet. Just a reminder that at 38, every stride is measured.

Messi on his own, but not alone

Argentina’s squad has gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, to begin their preparations for the World Cup, and all eyes, as always, went straight to Messi. The Inter Miami star, who has been dealing with hamstring fatigue since May 24, joined his teammates at the training base but did not fully integrate into the regular drills.

Instead, he and several others carrying minor fitness issues were put on a separate program.

“The players who are suffering from niggles and injuries continue to work with the physiotherapy team on specific exercises on the pitch and are making good progress,” Argentina’s Football Association said.

So Messi ran, stretched, and moved under close supervision, ticking off “specific exercises” designed to sharpen him without pushing the injury risk line. The work was deliberate, controlled, and clearly planned with one date in mind.

June 16. Algeria. Kansas City. Argentina’s World Cup opener.

A careful buildup to another World Cup

The schedule leaves little room for missteps. Argentina, ranked No 3 in the world, will play their final tune-up match against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama, before turning fully toward that opening game.

Messi is expected to be ready. That expectation shapes everything around this camp.

This is his record sixth World Cup. No Argentine has worn the shirt more: 198 caps, 116 goals since his debut in 2005. The numbers are staggering, but at this stage of his career, the management of his body is as important as any statistic.

Two-time MLS MVP. Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Now a veteran star preparing for one more global run with the defending champions, calibrating every training session so that the legs respond when it matters most.

For now, the image is a familiar one: Messi slightly apart from the group, ball at his feet, working to be ready. The question is not whether he will start this World Cup.

It’s how long he can keep bending tournaments to his will.