Messi primed for return against Panama

Lionel Messi has dismissed concerns regarding his fitness at the Copa America Centenario returning to training with Argentina ahead of Friday’s clash with Panama.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out La Albiceleste’s tournament opener with Chile after being forced off the field an hour into their warm up match against Honduras with a back problem.

But head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed Messi will make appearance in their second Group D fixture at Soldier Field, with victory guaranteering their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

And the Barcelona star wasn’t short of support as a group of Argentinian fans gathered outside their training ground in Chicago; peering through fences and climbing trees to catch a glimpse of him in action.