Messi making slow progress (24 May 2006 15:45 GMT)
Lionel Messi is making slow progress in returning to his best form as he recovers from a right thigh injury claimed national team coach Jose Pekerman.
The 18-year-old hasn't played since he tore the muscle during Barcelona's Champions League humbling of Chelsea in March but Pekerman said that he expected him to make the finals.
"Messi is getting back to his best form, but slowly," said Pekerman. "Obviously we hope he does. Day after day he is improving physically and that is restoring his confidence. We are still within the time frame."
Argentina play a friendly against a youth team in Buenos Aires on May 24, but Pekerman hopes that Messi will be fit enough to play fellow World Cup bound side Angola on May 30 in Italy.
source : AFP