Argentina Defeats Honduras 2-0 Without Messi as He Manages Minor Hamstring Strain

Lionel Messi was not part of Argentina’s squad for the June 6 friendly against Honduras at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M campus. Argentina won the match 2-0 while Messi warmed up with teammates but remained on the bench. Messi, who turns 39 in three weeks, is recovering from muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring.

Inter Miami diagnosed the injury after he left their 6-4 victory over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute late last month. Argentina officials said his return depends on clinical and functional progress. During workouts in Kansas City on Wednesday, Messi arrived after the rest of the squad and completed conditioning work off to the side.

Argentina will next play Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday before resuming training ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16. Messi holds the record for most World Cup matches played with 26 and needs four more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16. Teams may change rosters up to one day before their first tournament games.

Brazil defeated Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland. Bruno Guimaraes scored early from inside the box, Endrick added a second-half goal after an assist from Raphinha, and Zico replied for Egypt. Mohamed Salah played the first half and appeared in good form.

Brazil right-back Wesley left the field in tears with what appeared to be a serious left-leg muscle injury. England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa. Harry Kane scored with a glancing header from Djed Spence’s cross in the first half.

Manager Thomas Tuchel substituted the entire team at halftime and gave minutes to 22 players in 32-degree-Celsius heat. Germany secured a 2-1 victory over the United States in Chicago, extending their winning streak to nine matches. Kai Havertz headed in a second-minute free kick from Joshua Kimmich, Antonee Robinson equalized with a volley, and Leroy Sane restored the lead from 12 metres in the 57th minute.