Messi Closing In on Return as Scaloni Provides Fitness Update Ahead of World Cup

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of captain Lionel Messi, revealing that the football superstar is making steady progress in his recovery and could return to action before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Argentina’s pre-tournament friendly matches in the United States, Scaloni disclosed that Messi has resumed partial training with the national team after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered while playing for Inter Miami.

The Argentine captain had initially been expected to miss the warm-up fixtures after sustaining a strain in his left hamstring, raising concerns about his readiness for the World Cup.

However, the latest update suggests the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

“Leo is doing well. He has already trained partly with the group and is no longer completely separated,” Scaloni said.

“It’s possible he’ll play a few minutes in the friendlies. We’ll see whether that’s tomorrow’s game or the other one.”

Argentina, the defending world champions, are scheduled to face Honduras in College Station Texas, before taking on Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, as part of their final preparations for the tournament.

Messi’s potential return is expected to provide a significant morale boost for the South American giants as they seek to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.

Scaloni also offered updates on several other players currently recovering from injuries.

Goalkeeper Juan Musso is expected to start against Honduras after first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez suffered a fracture to his right ring finger.

Meanwhile, defender Cristian Romero has returned to training but is still working towards full match fitness.

Midfielders Leandro Paredes and Julián Álvarez are also progressing in their recovery programmes but are unlikely to feature prominently in the friendly fixtures.

“The situation is improving,” Scaloni explained.

“They’re fine, and we don’t want to risk them in these games. In this one, definitely not. In the second, there might be a chance that one of them could play.”

Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, with expectations high that Messi will once again play a central role in the team’s ambitions.

The 38-year-old remains one of the most influential figures in world football and is expected to be a major attraction at what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.

As the tournament draws closer, Argentina’s medical and coaching staff will continue to closely monitor the fitness of key players, with the primary objective of ensuring the squad arrives at the competition in peak condition.

The positive update on Messi will undoubtedly be welcomed by Argentine supporters, who hope their captain can lead another successful World Cup challenge on the global stage.