Lionel Messi may not have faced the media but dominated a chunk of Argentina's press conferences ahead of their World Cup opener, with coach Lionel Scaloni and defender Nicolas Otamendi underlining his importance.
The 38-year-old captain is set to play a record sixth World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and both coach and teammates made clear his influence remains undiminished as the reigning champions prepare to face Algeria tomorrow.
Scaloni says not only Argentines, the team believes everyone wants to see Messi on the pitch and play.
He confirmed that Messi has recovered from a recent muscle strain and is expected to be in the starting lineup.
Messi was left on the bench during Argentina's 2-0 win over Honduras in a friendly last Sunday, but came in as a substitute in their 3-0 victory against Iceland three days later, scoring one of their goals from the penalty spot.
Scaloni dismissed any suggestion Messi's presence could be a burden for the South American side, saying that his impact never waned as he played under different physical conditions over the years.
Argentina will meet Algeria at 1pm.
In other matches France will take on Senegal at 7am, Iraq will face Norway at 10am, while Austria will play Jordan at 4pm.
Source: Reuters
