Messi had to be substituted in Inter Miami's final MLS game before the FIFA World Cup break, leaving the pitch holding the back of his left leg.

He has since been named in Argentina's squad for the upcoming tournament, where it will aim to defend its title, with Lionel Scaloni remaining optimistic that he will be fit in time for its opener against Algeria on 17 June(AEST).

Prior to that, the Albiceleste face Honduras on Sunday (AEST), before taking on Iceland three days later, and Scaloni says Messi is ahead of schedule in his return to fitness.

"Leo is doing well," Scaloni said. "Leo trained for ​a part [of the Friday practice] with the group, which is important.

"​He's not fully separated. He's coming along. He may be part ⁠of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies.

"We'll ​see if it's the one [on Saturday] or the next one. But he's doing a ​lot better, and that gives us tranquillity."