Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old international football star, is preparing for his World Cup debut despite maintaining a strict media silence since arriving at Argentina’s training base in Kansas City two weeks ago. The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient has not given any interviews, but in limited training sessions observed by reporters, he has appeared both fit and at ease.

Concerns about Messi’s fitness were eased last week when he participated in a warm-up match against Iceland, playing 20 minutes and scoring a goal. This performance helped dispel doubts regarding a recent hamstring injury.

Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, emphasized Messi’s global significance ahead of the tournament. “Not only the Argentinian population but everybody — the whole planet — wants to see him play,” Scaloni said. “Everybody wants to see him on the pitch, because he has an effect not only on Argentinian fans but supporters all over the world.”

As Argentina gears up for the World Cup, attention remains firmly focused on Messi’s health and readiness, with fans and analysts alike eager to see the veteran forward return to the international stage.