Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Defending world champions Argentina are facing growing injury concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with head coach Lionel Scaloni closely monitoring the fitness of several key players — including captain Lionel Messi.
While Messi’s latest hamstring issue has sparked global concern among football fans, Scaloni revealed that the Inter Miami superstar is not the only player battling fitness problems before the tournament begins.
Lionel Messi Not Fully Fit Before World Cup Camp
Speaking in an interview with DSports, Scaloni confirmed that Messi’s injury does not appear serious, but admitted the Argentina captain will arrive at the national team’s pre-World Cup camp in Buenos Aires short of full fitness.
“The initial updates aren’t entirely bad,” Scaloni said. “Now, we must wait to see how he evolves after further medical tests.”
Messi requested to be substituted during Inter Miami’s thrilling 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union after experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring. The MLS club later confirmed the 38-year-old was dealing with muscle fatigue, with his recovery depending on progress over the coming weeks.
Injury Problems Continue for Argentina Squad
Argentina’s medical concerns extend beyond Messi as several important players race against time to recover before the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez reportedly suffered a fractured ring finger during warmups for Aston Villa’s Europa League final last week. Despite the injury, Martínez still played in the match and is expected to be available for Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture against Algeria on June 16.
Meanwhile, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is recovering from a knee ligament sprain, while right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are both struggling with muscle injuries.
Midfielder Nico Paz missed Como’s final Serie A match because of a knee problem, and winger Nicolás González is also recovering from a muscle tear.
Scaloni admitted that the national team staff will continue assessing every injured player until FIFA’s final squad submission deadline on June 2.
Young Players Called Up for Warmup Matches
Due to the growing list of injuries, Scaloni has expanded Argentina’s squad for upcoming friendly matches against Honduras and Iceland.
Several young talents have received surprise call-ups, including:
– Santiago Beltrán
– Joaquín Freitas
– Tomás Aranda
– Simón Escobar
– Ignacio Ovando
– Nicolás Capaldo
– Agustín Giay
Scaloni explained the decision was made to ensure Argentina has backup options available if more injuries occur before the World Cup begins.
“Something could happen between the final squad announcement and our first match,” the coach said. “We still have time to make changes if necessary.”
Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Fixtures
Argentina will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group J against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
The reigning champions will then face:
– Austria on June 22
– Jordan on June 27
Both matches are scheduled to take place in Arlington, Texas.
Scaloni Focused on Defending Argentina’s World Title
Despite the injury setbacks, Argentina remain one of the favorites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago.
Scaloni’s biggest challenge over the next few weeks will be ensuring his star players recover in time and arrive at the tournament fully prepared to defend their world title.
