Messi among 10 Argentina players with fitness concerns ahead of 2026 World Cup

Who, what, when and why it matters: With roughly 15 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Lionel Messi is among ten Argentina players carrying fitness concerns into the tournament, according to a World Soccer Talk report published on May 26, 2026. The list covers a range of minor-to-moderate injuries that, while not believed to rule players out of the finals, could leave several members of Argentina’s squad short of peak match sharpness. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly working toward a late-May announcement of the final 26-man roster, making these fitness updates important for selection and pre-tournament planning.

Why it matters now

Argentina are the reigning World Cup winners and arrive at the 2026 finals with strong expectations. Even if none of the listed injuries is expected to prevent participation, arriving undercooked or with reduced minutes could affect rotation decisions, set-piece options and defensive chemistry. With other major nations already having confirmed their squads, timing and fitness clarity are particularly urgent for Scaloni and his backroom staff.

The players reported with concerns

World Soccer Talk lists ten players on Argentina’s radar for fitness management in the run-up to the tournament. The report gives brief details on each case and notes most are not expected to miss the World Cup itself, though match sharpness will be a concern.

• Lionel Messi: Inter Miami issued an injury update after he was substituted in the club’s final MLS game with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring; recovery window reported at 10–14 days, putting the pre-tournament friendly against Honduras in doubt but not the World Cup opener.
• Emiliano Martínez: Suffered a minor fracture to the ring finger on his right hand during Europa League final warmup; recovery expected to be about 20 days.
• Nahuel Molina: Grade 1 hamstring tear (right leg) on 9 May; out for remainder of club season but expected to arrive for the World Cup short of peak fitness.
• Gonzalo Montiel: Muscle tear in left quadriceps; missed River Plate’s late matches but reported not in danger of missing the World Cup.
• Cristian Romero: Ligament injury to right knee on 12 April; did not feature again for Tottenham but expected to recover in time, albeit lacking match minutes.
• Lisandro Martínez: Soleus injury earlier in the season limited his appearances; he completed Manchester United’s final three fixtures and played 19 times across 2025–26.
• Marcos Acuña: Substituted in the Argentine league final; reported minor muscle overload in right hamstring and will require careful management.
• Nicolás González: Muscle tear in late April during training; expected to be fit for the World Cup but short on recent minutes.
• Nico Paz: Small hairline fracture on knee edge in early May; missed matches but pain has subsided — sharpness uncertain.
• Julián Álvarez: Minor ankle sprain during Champions League semi-final first leg, has not played for Atlético Madrid since and will head into the World Cup without competitive minutes.

Selection timing and implications for Scaloni

The report cites Argentine journalist Verónica Brunati as saying head coach Lionel Scaloni is targeting a May 28 or 29 deadline for announcing the final 26-man list. With that timing, the coaching staff must weigh medical reports and club updates against player importance and tactical balance. For players such as Messi, Romero and Martínez — all influential in core areas — the decision will include managing short-term fitness while protecting long-term tournament readiness.

Context around match sharpness and roles

According to the report, most injuries are described as manageable for tournament participation but will likely reduce recent competitive minutes for several starters and squad members. That lack of match rhythm could influence starting XI choices, substitutions strategy and reliance on rotation during the group stage. For defensive positions (Romero, Martínez, Lisandro Martínez) and attacking options (Messi, Álvarez, González), the staff will need to balance the risk of aggravating injuries against the benefit of early campaign impact.

What it means / What happens next: Unless further updates emerge from clubs or Argentina’s camp, the coaching staff appear set to include the affected players provided their recoveries progress as reported. The immediate next steps are the expected late-May squad announcement and final medical checks. Any change in condition or official statement from the Argentine FA, head coach or the clubs involved would alter selection dynamics and should be confirmed before publication.