Lionel Messi did not take part in Argentina's first full training session at their World Cup camp, but he is expected to be fit to feature in their opening game.

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi, who propelled Argentina to glory in 2022, has been suffering from muscle fatigue.

He was able to train lightly on Tuesday in Kansas City, but did not join the team for their full session.

Emiliano Martinez, Nico Paz and Thiago Almada are among a number of other Argentina players nursing issues nine days out from the start of the tournament.

#SelecciónMayor ¡Primer entrenamiento en Kansas! 

Arrancamos nuestro camino mundialista pic.twitter.com/Ik6fudpPj1

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) June 2, 2026

"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, in a statement carried by ESPN.

Argentina take on Honduras and Iceland in pre-World Cup friendlies, before they open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16. They will then take on Austria and Jordan.

Messi, whose 13 World Cup goals are three shy of the all-time tournament record of 16, held by Miroslav Klose, is on 198 appearances for his country.

According to Opta's supercomputer, Argentina have a 10.4% chance of retaining their crown, making them fourth favourites for the tournament, behind Spain (16.1%), France (13%) and England (11.2%).