Messi handed fitness boost ahead of this summer’s Copa America

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been handed a fitness boost ahead of this summer’s 2016 Copa América.

The Copa, which kicks off on June 3rd in the USA, is a special centenary edition and will involve teams from North, Central and South American confederations. Argentina are the favourites for the competition but when Messi picked up a rib and back injury in a pre-tournament friendly against Honduras, doubts arose.

After stumbling over, Messi was kneed in the side by an onrushing Honduran who couldn’t stop his momentum. He laid on the ground in agony and had to be taken off with many fearing something as serious as Neymar’s spinal fracture from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Luckily for Argentina, Barcelona and Messi, things don’t seem to be that serious. “Messi is better, with less pain than last night,” national team doctor Daniel Martinez told La Nacion, as reported by Football Espana.

“His recovery is day-to-day, and there are several treatments for these types of injuries.”

Messi compared to the other best forwards in the world; only Neymar has had a comparably balanced season.

Messi compared to the other best forwards in the world; only Neymar has had a comparably balanced season.

Messi’s inclusion is essential for any Argentine hopes of success. The magical No.10 is the best player in the world, such is his quality that he plays a fundamental role in the offensive system of the side, regardless of who is the coach at the time.

He is also coming into the tournament off the back of yet another incredibly successful season.

Barcelona won La Liga and the Copa del Rey for the second consecutive season, retaining the domestic double which no side in Spain has managed to do since the Blaugrana themselves in 1952/53.