Scalloni. We will not risk Messi before the World Cup

Announce Lionel Scalloni, coach of ArgentinaCaptain Lionel Messi will take part in the Albiceleste’s final friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama on Tuesday night before the start of the 2026 World Cup, while stressing his desire to avoid physical risks to the player.

“Messi will play, but I don’t know how many minutes yet. I have yet to speak to him at training today and we will see how many minutes he plays to avoid any risk. We will make a decision, but he will play on principle.”

Messi was on the bench for Argentina’s friendly win against Honduras on June 6, although he did take part in the warm-up before Saturday’s game in College Station, Texas.

The Inter Miami captain joined Argentina’s camp after straining his left hamstring in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s last match against Philadelphia Union due to discomfort before the American League took a break for the World Cup.

Initial medical expectations indicated that the progress of Messi’s condition would be assessed day by day, and Scaloni had previously announced that Messi had partially started training with the rest of the squad on June 5.

The World Cup-winning coach said: “We will be allocating game minutes to the players who will be taking part tomorrow to try and avoid any setbacks or physical incidents.”

Scaloni confirmed the trio of Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are ready to play with the national team against Iceland, after they previously trained separately due to various injuries.

Albiceleste’s technical director has provided an update on the health of injured Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes.

Scaloni said: “Julian Alvarez is doing well as he is suffering from ankle pain which is starting to subside, while Paredes is also progressing well and he will be able to return to the squad in the next few days.”

Scalloni is waiting for the right time to announce Leonardo Balerdi’s replacement in the 26-man squad after the Marseille defender left camp last Thursday with a calf injury that will rule him out of the World Cup.

Scaloni said: “After the game tomorrow, the picture will become clearer regarding his replacement. We can cover Balerdi’s position, but we are also looking at other options depending on the progress of the rest of the injured players.”

Argentina are set to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group 10.