Argentina received an encouraging update ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that captain Lionel Messi is making good progress in his recovery from a recent muscle problem and could return to action in the teamโs remaining preparatory fixtures.
Notably, there were serious doubts over Messiโs availability after the 38-year-old sustained a muscle strain during Inter Miamiโs league game against Philadelphia. Those worries have now eased to some extent after Scaloni confirmed that the veteran forward has already rejoined portions of full-team training and is no longer working entirely on an individual program.
โLeo is doing well, heโs already trained with the group for part of the session, and thatโs significant. Heโs no longer training separately. He is improving a lot and could even take part in one of the (warm-up) matches for a few minutes. Weโll see whether itโs this one or the next, but heโs much better and that gives us peace of mind,โ Scaloni said in the press conference.ย
Argentinaโs upcoming friendlies
Argentina is scheduled to face Honduras in Texas on Saturday before concluding its World Cup preparations against Iceland in Alabama on Tuesday. The two friendlies represent the reigning world championโs final opportunities to fine-tune preparations before the tournament begins.
In the meantime, Scaloni also shared a light-hearted story about informing Messi that he had secured a place in Argentinaโs World Cup squad. Despite his stature within the game and his long-standing role as captain, the conversation carried a humorous exchange between coach and player.
โI sent him a message and he told me he would wait for the squad list to see if he had been called up. I told him, โYouโre called up.โ Thatโs how it happened,โ Scaloni shared.
Meanwhile, Messi will play his sixth World Cup appearance, carrying a legacy that already includes leading Argentina to the global title in Qatar in 2022. Widely regarded among footballโs greatest players, he remains central to the nationโs ambitions as it prepares to defend its crown. They will begin their campaign against Algeria on June 17, followed by games against Australia and Jordon on June 22 and 28, respectively.ย
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