Messi's World Cup Fitness Update
Argentina Coach Scaloni Says Messi 'Much Better,' Could Play Before World Cup
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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday that captain Lionel Messi is "much better" after a left hamstring strain and could play some minutes in upcoming friendlies before the World Cup. Scaloni told reporters in College Station, Texas: "Leo comes in well; he already trained a part with the group... He is much better and that gives us peace of mind," according to AP News.
Argentina faces Honduras at Kyle Field on Friday night — a stadium that seats 102,733 — in what could be the largest live crowd of Messi's career, surpassing even Barcelona's Camp Nou. The defending world champions then play Iceland on June 9 before their title defense begins June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, per AP News.
Messi's Hamstring Strain Raises World Cup Alarm
Messi, 38, picked up a hamstring overload in his final match for Inter Miami before joining Argentina's camp. He trained separately from the group as recently as June 3. Scaloni confirmed he has since rejoined team sessions. Argentina's first World Cup match is just 10 days away, leaving little time for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner to regain full fitness, according to AP News.
Scaloni said Messi could get minutes in one or both friendlies rather than wait for the tournament opener. The strategy is to test the hamstring in real game conditions before the stakes are highest. Messi will turn 39 on June 24 — during the tournament itself — making this his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
Ten Players Injured, Scaloni Warns of Roster Cuts
Messi is far from the only concern. Argentina currently has 10 players dealing with physical problems, according to AP News. Key defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are out with muscle tears. Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez fractured the ring finger on his right hand during the Europa League final with Aston Villa and will sit out the friendlies.
Scaloni did not soften his warning about roster decisions. "If we have to take a change decision, even if we are pained, we will do it," he said. Emergency call-ups Agustín Giay and Nicolás Capaldo have joined the squad to cover for Molina and Montiel. Nineteen-year-old goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, a River Plate prospect, could make his debut Friday night against Honduras.
102,000 Fans Pack Kyle Field for a Warm-Up Match
The friendly against Honduras is not a typical tune-up. A sellout at Kyle Field in College Station would make it the single largest crowd Messi has ever played in front of. Texas is home to a large Argentine and Honduran population — roughly 8% of U.S.-based Argentines live in the state, alongside more than 240,000 Hondurans, according to AP News.
The economic impact on College Station is expected to be record-breaking. Tickets for Argentina's World Cup matches range from $77 to $1,198, reflecting the enormous demand. Texas A&M Athletic Director Trev Alberts said the event brings a "different subset of fans" to the region and highlights the game's global reach.
Argentina Defends Title With Most Arduous Path Yet
Argentina named a 26-man squad on May 28, with 17 players who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar still on the roster, per AP News. The squad flew to Kansas City on May 31 on a charter flight named "1978" — a nod to Argentina's first World Cup title. Their campaign opens June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
The 2026 tournament is the most demanding in history, featuring 48 teams and more matches played in intense summer heat across North America. Analysts warn the aging, injury-hit core faces its toughest test yet. If key starters suffer setbacks in the friendlies, Scaloni could be forced to rely on unproven players with little time to adapt before the title defense begins in earnest.
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