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 Wednesday in Kansas City, but did not join the team for its 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.

"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.

Argentina takes on Honduras and Iceland in pre-World Cup friendlies, before it opens itsr Group J campaign against Algeria on 16 June. It 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.