Scaloni Confirms Messi's Return Ahead of Argentina's World Cup Campaign

Lionel Messi is preparing to rejoin Argentina's lineup in a final friendly match before the 2026 World Cup, following a brief absence due to a muscle injury. The Inter Miami forward missed the recent friendly against Honduras on June 6 but is now close to full fitness.

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, provided an update on Messi's condition, confirming the star player is expected to participate in the upcoming game against Iceland. This marks an important milestone in Messi's recovery as the team finalizes preparations for the tournament.

Scaloni expressed caution regarding Messi's playing time in the Iceland match, emphasizing the need to avoid any risk of aggravating his injury. “He is going to play against Iceland,” Scaloni told reporters. “What I do not know is how many minutes. I still have to talk to him during training and see how many minutes he plays to avoid any kind of risk, but in principle, yes, he will get minutes.”

The coach highlighted Messi's significance beyond his skills on the field, pointing to the player's critical role in boosting team morale and atmosphere. Scaloni stated, “Hugely important, as always. Not just in the dressing room, when he’s on the pitch, everything he translates to his team-mates, the atmosphere he creates around him, is something incredible.”

With Messi’s fitness concerns addressed, Argentina is now concentrating on their opening Group Stage match of the World Cup, scheduled for June 17 against Algeria. The defending champions are considered strong contenders to retain their title, and having Messi fit is central to their strategy.

Following the final warm-up against Iceland, attention will turn to the squad selection for the Algeria game to determine if Messi will start and lead Argentina from the outset of their World Cup defense.