Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has eased fears over Lionel Messi’s fitness just days before the defending champions begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in North America.
Speaking during Argentina’s training camp in the United States, Scaloni confirmed that Messi is recovering well and has already returned to training with the squad after a recent injury scare.
“The injury is the past. Leo is working very well in training and he can get minutes already in the friendlies,” Scaloni said.
Concern around Messi’s condition appeared on May 24 during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union in MLS. The Argentine captain appeared uncomfortable on the soaked pitch and asked to come off in the 72nd minute after feeling discomfort in his thigh, immediately sparking panic among Argentina supporters ahead of the World Cup.
Argentina and Messi Continue World Cup Preparations
Fortunately for Argentina, medical tests quickly ruled out any serious muscle tear or structural damage. Reports indicated the issue was only muscular overload and fatigue in Messi’s left hamstring rather than a significant injury.
Since then, Messi has gradually increased his workload in training, and Scaloni now expects the 38-year-old to play for a few minutes during Argentina’s remaining friendlies before the tournament officially starts.
The coaching staff are expected to carefully manage Messi’s minutes in the coming days to ensure he is fully ready for the opening match.
Messi will play in what his sixth World Cup, 4 years after captaining Argentina to victory in Qatar in 2022. Despite being in the later stages of his career, he remains the central figure in Lionel Scaloni’s squad as Argentina tries to defend their world title.
