Lionel Messi and Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, two of Argentina’s biggest football stars, returned to training in Kansas after joining the national team camp amid lingering questions over their fitness.

Argentina held an open training session on Wednesday ahead of its 2026 World Cup debut on June 16, against Algeria. 

With fewer than 10 days remaining until the tournament begins and several players carrying injury concerns, the session offered an early glimpse of the Albiceleste’s condition as preparations enter their final stretch.

The first key highlight was the Argentine captain. Lionel Messi is struggling with a strain in the back of his left leg and is expected to sit out Argentina’s preparatory friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.

Argentina fans were given reason for optimism on Wednesday as Messi returned to training. The Inter Miami star was among the last players to emerge from the gym, and while he did not take part in full team drills, he was able to complete a substantial individual workout.

Looking comfortable throughout, Messi went through a series of straight-line sprint exercises, as well as agility drills involving cones and changes of direction. 

He also spent time working with the ball at his feet, completing dribbling and ball-control exercises before returning to the gym for recovery work and calling it a day.

‘Dibu’ working out one-handed

Another Argentina big name who was seen working out was Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. The star goalkeeper fractured a finger on his right hand during the warm-up for the Europa League final on May 20, sounding the alarms for Albiceleste fans.

However, Martínez has kept working despite the injury. 

On Wednesday’s training session, he took part in the goalkeepers’ workout, performing exercises without gloves, under the strict supervision of the coaching staff.

He did limited work with the footballs, using only his left hand and then moved on to coordination exercises with tennis balls.

Martínez is another who’ll miss the preparation friendlies, but he sent a calming message to fans. 

Caught by Argentine reporters at the exit of the hotel where the Argentine team is staying, he assured them “he’s making it” to Argentina’s debut against Algeria on June 16.