Lionel Messi available for Argentina at Copa America

CHICAGO — Lionel Messi was not in Argentina’s starting lineup for Friday night's Copa America game against Panama, but is expected to be used as a substitute.

Messi missed Argentina’s first game with a back injury, but coach Gerardo Martino said Thursday the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had been cleared after participating in the full team's training. Messi suffered the back injury last month in an exhibition against Honduras.

Argentina would likely advance to the quarterfinals by beating Panama. Though Messi has won numerous La Liga and Champions League titles many times with Barcelona, he is still looking for his first major championship with Argentina’s senior team.