Lionel Messi reportedly on track to be fit for Argentina's World Cup opener vs Algeria
Latest fitness update: Lionel Messi, managing a muscle overload, is reportedly expected to recover in time for Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16, though he may miss the first friendly.
Lionel Messi is reportedly expected to recover from a muscle overload in time to feature for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup group-stage opener against Algeria on June 16, according to reporting cited by World Soccer Talk. With Argentina already in the United States preparing at Sporting KC's training centre, the update offers reassurance that Messi should be available for selection when the Albiceleste kick off their title defence.
Why it matters
Messi's fitness has been the most closely watched issue for Argentina in the final days before the tournament. As captain and key attacking figure, his availability directly affects Argentina's starting XI, tactical approach and the expectations of supporters and media before the opening match against Algeria.
What the report says and the timeline
The report, citing TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, says Messi is 'fully expected' to be fit for the June 16 match. Messi suffered a muscle overload during Inter Miami's final MLS match against Philadelphia Union and has been described as 'touched' physically, which makes his participation in the friendlies less certain.
Argentina's first warm-up match is scheduled for June 6 against Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, and the second friendly is on June 9 versus Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The report indicates Messi is unlikely to play on June 6 but that the June 9 game represents his best chance to get minutes before the World Cup begins.
Squad context and other fitness issues
Most of Argentina's squad and coaching staff have already arrived in Kansas City to begin their camp at the Sporting KC Training Centre. The same reporting notes Argentina are managing multiple fitness concerns among the 26-man party: goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is confirmed to miss both warm-up matches because of a fractured finger sustained in the Europa League final, but remains on track for the World Cup itself according to the report.
Messi is due to join the group in Kansas City after remaining in North America following Inter Miami's final MLS appearance, travelling alongside teammate Rodrigo De Paul.
Key points
What this means for Argentina's preparation
If Messi is available for the June 16 fixture, Argentina's manager will have a near-full-strength option for the opening group match against Algeria, Austria (June 22) and Jordan (June 27). The final group-game selection could still depend on standings and rotation plans, per the report. However, the June friendlies may offer limited opportunities to build match fitness for players returning from recent club commitments.
What happens next
Official confirmation of Messi's availability will rest with Argentina's coaching staff and medical team. The next concrete signals will be squad training updates from the Kansas City base, any official injury bulletins from the AFA, and the team sheets for the warm-up fixtures on June 6 and June 9. This report should be treated as a positive update but not definitive until corroborated by official sources.