It looks like Leo Messi will be ready for Argentina's Copa America Centenario opener after suffering a back injury in the country’s 1-0 win against Honduras on Friday.
The Barcelona star was forced out of Friday’s match in the 64th minute after a nasty collision left him with pain in both his back and ribs.
Argentina team doctor Daniel Martinez gave an update on Messi’s status over the weekend, telling reporters that the 28-year-old is feeling less pain and that, with proper treatment, should be ready for Argentina’s Copa opener against Chile next Monday, June 6.
“Messi is better, with less pain,” Martinez told Argentine outlet La Nacion on Saturday. “His recovery is day-to-day, there are several treatments for this type of injury.”
“When you have less discomfort in the area, you can even have massages that can help to alleviate the pain.”
Messi, Martinez and a masseuse flew on Saturday from Argentina to Barcelona, where Messi will appear in court on Thursday to testify about his alleged involvement in a tax fraud case. He’ll leave Barcelona immediately following his court appearance, flying to San Francisco to re-join the Argentine team ahead of their June 6 Copa opener against defending champs Chile at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Argentina will continue their Copa America campaign on June 10 against Panama in Chicago before they wrap group play against Bolivia in Seattle on June 14.
