Scaloni Says Messi Progressing, Could Feature in Argentina Friendlies

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi has made progress in recovering from a hamstring injury and could feature in the national team's upcoming friendly matches. Messi is no longer training completely separately from the squad, having rejoined group sessions on a partial basis, Scaloni told reporters. Argentina will face Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas, and Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. Messi sustained the injury during Inter Miami's most recent match. While he has made recovery progress, he was not expected to be available for the Honduras match. Scaloni also announced that Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso will start against Honduras. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will miss both friendlies after suffering a broken ring finger on his right hand during warm-up before the Europa League final. Martinez is expected to be fit only for the opening match. Scaloni said young goalkeeper Santiago Beltran will also see playing time in the two games.