Messi expected to return for Panama clash, confirms Martino
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino expects Lionel Messi to be fit for their next Copa America match against Panama on Friday.
Messi is still struggling with a back injury suffered in the friendly clash with Honduras last month and missed Argentina's 2-1 win over Chile in their opening game of the tournament.
Goals from Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega secured the points for Argentina, who left the injured Messi on the substitutes bench at Levi's Stadium.
However, Martino revealed Messi will be in contention to play against Panama, who won their first game 2-1 against Bolivia.
"He has continued working here, he's kicking the ball better now," Martino said.
"We expect in four days he'll be in a condition to play. So we're thinking we will be in a better position by then."
Although Messi's replacement, Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan, performed well on the right side of Argentina's front three, Martino is not discounting the importance of their absent talisman.
"We're always a better team when Messi is in the team," Martino said. "Our chances of winning the Copa are always going to be higher when he's playing."
