Kansas, Jul 14 (V7N)- Argentina captain Lionel Messi missed his first training session of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday as head coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rest several key players ahead of the team's semi-final clash.
The Albiceleste are preparing for the last-four encounter after securing a hard-fought victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Journalists covering Argentina's training session in Kansas, USA, were unable to spot Messi, who has participated in every previous training session during the tournament. His absence was part of a planned recovery program rather than an injury concern.
Scaloni's coaching staff decided to give complete rest to several first-team regulars in an effort to reduce physical fatigue and ensure the squad is in peak condition for the crucial semi-final.
Alongside Messi, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister, as well as several other players who started against Switzerland, were excused from full training.
Instead, the session focused primarily on reserve players, who underwent intensive drills under Scaloni's supervision to remain match-ready should they be called upon during the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, striker Lautaro Martínez, who played a decisive role in Argentina's quarter-final victory over Switzerland, was among the players seen training with high intensity and energy.
Argentina's coaching staff is expected to closely monitor the fitness of the squad over the coming days as the defending champions continue their preparations for one of the most important matches of their World Cup campaign.
END/SMA/AJ
