Messi nears World Cup return, could play in Argentina warm-up vs Honduras or Iceland
Synopsis
Messi hasn't played since 24 May, but Argentina's coach Scaloni says the captain trained with the group on Friday and could feature against Honduras or Iceland before the World Cup. With a record-equalling sixth tournament appearance on the line and Argentina's title defence beginning 16 June, the stakes around his fitness couldn't be higher.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi is recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained on 24 May for Inter Miami CF .
Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on 6 June that Messi trained partially with the squad and could play in warm-ups vs Honduras (Saturday) or Iceland (Tuesday).
Messi has scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in 14 appearances for Inter Miami this season.
This will be Messi's sixth World Cup — an all-time record he will share with Cristiano Ronaldo .
Messi holds the record for most World Cup appearances — 26 games — one ahead of Lothar Matthäus .
Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria on 16 June in Kansas City .
Lionel Messi is edging closer to full fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirming on Friday, 6 June that the captain could feature in one or both of the defending champions' pre-tournament friendlies in the United States. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been managing a left hamstring strain sustained on 24 May during Inter Miami CF's final MLS fixture before the league's two-month World Cup break.
What Scaloni Said
Speaking to reporters ahead of Argentina's first warm-up match, Scaloni offered a cautiously optimistic assessment. 'Leo is doing well,' the coach said. 'Leo trained for a portion (of Friday's practice) with the group, which is important. He's not fully segregated. He's coming along. He could participate in the friendlies, get some playing time in these two friendlies. We'll see if it's this one (Saturday's) or the next one. But he's doing much better and that gives us peace of mind.'
Argentina face Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas, and then Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama — two opportunities for Messi to shake off match rust before the tournament proper.
Messi's Season and Injury Context
The 38-year-old forward has been in prolific form for Inter Miami CF this season, registering 12 goals and 8 assists in 14 appearances before the hamstring issue curtailed his club campaign. Notably, it was also confirmed on Friday that Messi is set to appear in the MLS All-Star Game on 29 July in Charlotte, where MLS stars will take on top players from Liga MX — a further signal that his recovery is on track.
Historic Significance of This World Cup
Messi enters the tournament as one of its marquee attractions, having captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, where he also claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by any player — 26 games, one ahead of Germany legend Lothar Matthäus.
This edition will mark Messi's sixth World Cup appearance, matching Cristiano Ronaldo, which would set an all-time record for both players. On the international scoring charts, Messi sits second all-time with 116 goals in 198 games, trailing only Ronaldo.
Argentina's Group Stage Schedule
The defending champions open their title defence in Group J against Algeria on 16 June in Kansas City, before facing Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 27 June, with both subsequent matches scheduled in Arlington, Texas. With the tournament days away, Argentina's camp will be closely watching Messi's response to training loads before committing to a return date.
Point of View
Which is tactically sound but also signals that the medical staff, not the coach, are driving the timeline. For Argentina, a Messi at 70% fitness is more valuable than most opponents' best player, but a re-injury in a dead-rubber friendly would be catastrophic. The broader subplot is historical: a sixth World Cup appearance would cement a record that may never be broken, giving both Messi and his camp every incentive to be conservative. The real test of Argentina's squad depth comes if Messi misses the Algeria opener — their group-stage schedule, on paper, is manageable, but the pressure of defending a title without their talisman would expose just how dependent this team still is on one man.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lionel Messi fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Messi is recovering from a left hamstring strain and is not yet confirmed fit, but Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on 6 June that he is progressing well and could feature in one of the two pre-tournament friendlies. A final decision on his availability for the opening group match against Algeria on 16 June is expected closer to the date.
What injury does Messi have and when did he get it?
Messi sustained a left hamstring strain on 24 May during Inter Miami CF's final MLS match before the league's two-month World Cup break. He has not played since, though he has been training partially with the Argentina squad.
Who does Argentina play in their World Cup warm-up matches?
Argentina face Honduras on Saturday in College Station, Texas, and Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama. Both are pre-tournament friendlies ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When do Argentina start their World Cup 2026 campaign?
Argentina open their title defence in Group J against Algeria on 16 June in Kansas City. They then face Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 27 June, both in Arlington, Texas.
What record could Messi set at the 2026 World Cup?
A sixth World Cup appearance would equal Cristiano Ronaldo and set an all-time record for both players. Messi also holds the record for most World Cup appearances — 26 games — one ahead of Germany's Lothar Matthäus.
