Argentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to make his return to action in the team's final warm-up match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that the superstar forward will feature against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama.
Messi missed Argentina's 2-0 victory over Honduras on June 6 as he continued recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The injury concern arose shortly before joining the national team camp after he experienced discomfort while playing for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
Speaking ahead of the Iceland fixture, Scaloni confirmed that Messi is ready to return but stressed that the coaching staff will carefully manage his workload.
"Messi will play, I just don't know how many minutes," Scaloni said, adding that the final decision would depend on discussions with the player and medical staff. The coach emphasized that Argentina's priority is ensuring the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is fully fit for the World Cup rather than taking unnecessary risks in a friendly match.
The defending world champions have been dealing with several injury concerns in their squad. Scaloni, however, provided encouraging updates on several key players. Defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, along with midfielder Nico Paz, have recovered sufficiently to be available for selection. Positive progress has also been reported for forwards Julian Alvarez and midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Argentina's coaching staff plans to rotate players and distribute minutes carefully during the Iceland match to avoid any last-minute injuries before the tournament begins. The friendly is expected to serve as the final opportunity for players to regain match fitness and sharpen preparations ahead of the title defense.
Messi, who is set to appear in a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup, remains the focal point of Argentina's ambitions. Despite turning 38, he continues to play a crucial role for both club and country and enters the tournament as one of football's biggest attractions.
Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria national football team on June 16, before facing Austria national football team and Jordan national football team in Group J.
