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Argentina Star Messi Will Not Open on June 10

Argentina was hoping to start the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Germany on a good note with their opening game against Ivory Coast, but now it seems that their star forward, Lionei Messi, will not be ready in time. Messi was injured while playing for Barcelona against Chelsea in March, and has not played a competitive match since. He is currently not expected to star on Argentina`s opening World Cup match.

The gifted teenager was quoted on Saturday, saying that he does not think he will be on the team. "`I haven`t played much, I`ve been out of action for some time," he told reporters. Messi played in Argentina`s farewell game in Buenos Aires before leaving for Germany where the national team beat the under-20`s 4-0. "I just played 15 minutes the other day," said Messi in reference to his performance during the game.

Argentina`s national team is currently training in Rome, and will meet Ivory Coast for their opening World Cup game on June 10. Messi is considered as a key player in Argentina`s team, and one that is highly important for realizing their World Cup title aspirations. Messi has been undergoing special treatment to speed his recovery. `I know I still have some way to go...(but) I am relaxed, I know I have to keep working,` he said.