Argentina's World Cup preparations have taken a serious hit and Lionel Messi is just the start of it.
The reigning world champions are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a growing injury list that has fans and coaching staff alike on edge. Messi walked off during an Inter Miami CF match days before the tournament gets underway, sending concern rippling through the Argentine camp.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos moved quickly to ease the panic, saying the substitution was precautionary due to muscle fatigue and nothing more serious. But the situation around Argentina's captain is only part of the problem.
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Coach Lionel Scaloni hasn't officially named his 26-man squad yet, and the uncertainty around fitness is making that call harder by the day. In a recent interview with DSports, Scaloni confirmed that multiple players are currently dealing with injuries heading into the competition.
"We all wished Messi could have joined the squad fully fit, but that isn't the reality," Scaloni said. "It's not just him. Many players have yet to fully recover from injuries. Our main priority now is their rehabilitation to ensure they reach the World Cup in peak condition."
Argentina's Injury List Grows With World Cup Opener Approaching
Six other key players are carrying knocks alongside Messi. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fractured the ring finger on his right hand during warmups before the Europa League final, though he is still expected to be available for the opener.
Cristian Romero is recovering from a ligament sprain in his right knee and his timeline remains uncertain. The Tottenham Hotspur captain is one of Argentina's most important defenders and any extended absence would hurt.
At fullback, both Nahuel Molina of Atletico Madrid and Gonzalo Montiel from River Plate are managing muscle injuries. Midfielder Nico Paz missed Como's final Serie A match with a knee issue and Nicolas Gonzalez is still working through recovery from a muscle tear.
With the squad deadline set for June 2 and friendlies against Honduras and Iceland still ahead, Scaloni's staff has already started looking at contingency options.
Argentina go into this World Cup as defending champions, but right now the focus isn't on the title. It's on getting their best players to the start line.
