Argentina Boss Gives Latest Update on Lionel Messi Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is confident that Messi will be available for the team with full fitness in the FIFA World Cup 2026. He said the superstar footballer has shown good progress in recovery, which is why his chances to feature in Argentina's World Cup opener has become bright.

“Leo is doing well; he has already trained partly with the group, he’s no longer completely separated. It’s possible he’ll play a few minutes in the friendlies. We’ll see whether that’s tomorrow’s game or the other one.” said Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni.

“He’s much better, and that gives us peace of mind,” added Lionel Scaloni.

The Argentina team doctors have been busy, especially with Lionel Messi, who picked up a strain in his left hamstring during Inter Miami’s last match. Because of that, he was not expected to feature against Honduras.

Coach Scaloni also said that Juan Musso of Atletico Madrid will start in goal against Honduras at Kyle Field. This is because first-choice keeper Emiliano Martinez broke the ring finger on his right hand during the warm-up before the Europa League final.

The team doctors have decided not to use him in either of the two friendly matches, but Martinez is expected to be fit for the opening game against Algeria.

Scaloni is also likely to give playing time to debutant Santiago Beltran, the young River Plate goalkeeper who has been included for the friendlies.

In defence, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are both out as they recover from muscle injuries. To cover for them, the coaching staff has added Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo to the squad for these friendlies. Meanwhile, centre-back Cristian Romero has rejoined training after suffering a knee injury in April, but he is still short of match practice.

Lionel Scaloni now has to choose whether to use him or give him a bit more time to recover. Another concern is Nicolas Paz, who is currently training on his own after a strong knock to his knee.

He will miss the match against Honduras and is also doubtful for Argentina’s World Cup opener. Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes and Julian Alvarez reached the team camp in Kansas with fitness problems as well. Both players are getting better, but it is still not clear if they will take part in the warm-up games.