Messi likely to miss Argentina's opening match (28 May 2006 01:44 GMT)
Forward Lionel Messi, who is recovering from a thigh muscle injury, does not expect to start Argentina's opening World Cup match against Ivory Coast.
"Today, I don't think I'll be in the team," the gifted teenager said. "I haven't played much, I've been out of action for some time," Messi told reporters.
He has not played a competitive match since he was injured for Barcelona against Chelsea in March.
"I just played 15 minutes the other day," he added in reference to Argentina's farewell game in Buenos Aires in which coach Jose Pekerman's team beat the national under-20s 4-0.
"I know I still have some way to go... I'm relaxed, I know I have to keep working," he said. "I'm a bit short but I feel better each day. I think I'll get into rhythm in the time left".
"I want to play the final and I hope we meet Brazil," added Messi.
source : Reuters