Argentina’s World Cup preparations received a significant boost as several key players, including captain Lionel Messi and rising midfielder Nico Paz, moved closer to full fitness in the team’s training camp.

Paz, 21, completed his first full training session with the national team after recovering from a left knee injury that had kept him out since early May. The Como midfielder, regarded as one of the most promising young options in Lionel Scaloni’s squad, is now in contention to feature in Argentina’s warm-up match against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama.

Scaloni also welcomed the return of both of his right-back options. Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, who had been nursing separate injuries, took part in the latest training session without restrictions. Their availability restores balance to Argentina’s defensive structure and eases concerns over depth on the flanks.

The focus, however, remains firmly on Messi. The Argentina captain has been managing muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, an issue that surfaced during his final appearance for Inter Miami before joining the national team. While he sat out Argentina’s 2-0 friendly win over Honduras, watching from the bench, medical staff report steady progress.

Scaloni is expected to handle Messi’s minutes with caution, but there is optimism that the forward could play at least a portion of the match against Iceland. The coaching staff view that game as an important test of his readiness ahead of the World Cup, while prioritising his long-term fitness over any short-term showcase.

Elsewhere in the squad, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and midfielder Leandro Paredes continue to work on individual rehabilitation programmes. Both are training away from the main group as they recover from their respective injuries, but the medical team remains confident they will be fit for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria.

With several injury concerns easing and competition for places intensifying, Scaloni’s focus is shifting from managing absences to fine-tuning tactics. The improving health of Messi, Paz and others offers Argentina a timely lift as they enter the final stretch of preparation for their title defence on the global stage.