Argentina coach Jose Pekerman is hoping to run the rule over Gabriel Heinze and Lionel Messi before the World Cup kicks off in June.

Manchester United defender Heinze has not played since September last year but is expected to feature in Argentina's friendly against Angola on May 30, although Barcelona playmaker Messi is more of a doubt with a thigh problem.

On Heinze Pekerman said: "We need him to have some minutes on the pitch - perhaps not the whole match, but some minutes.

"It will depend mainly on how he is in training, but we still want to see him play.

"However it is hasty to say Messi will be able to play that friendly.

"Messi was the last player to get to Buenos Aires and at the moment his rhythm is off, but we have enough time."

With regards to his preparations for the World Cup, Pekerman added: "I know who most of the starters will be for the first game, but I cannot reveal them because we need to build up a plan to try to get to our best in a short period of time."

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