Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi could feature in Argentina friendlies after encouraging fitness update

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has delivered an upbeat fitness update on captain Lionel Messi ahead of the national team’s pre-World Cup friendlies, saying Messi has rejoined part of full squad training after hamstring fatigue and could play a few minutes in the warm-up matches against Honduras or Iceland.

Why it matters

Messi’s availability is central to Argentina’s title defence at the 2026 World Cup. Even short minutes in the upcoming friendlies would provide reassurance over his recovery and allow Scaloni’s staff to assess how the forward responds to increased workload before finalising the 26-man squad.

Scaloni provides encouraging update on Messi’s progress

Scaloni told reporters that Messi has made a 'massive step forward' by training with the main group for part of a session, rather than working entirely on his own. The manager did not rule out Messi featuring in either friendly, saying the captain 'is progressing quite nicely' and could 'play a part' for a few minutes in the double-match window.

Broader fitness concerns in Argentina camp

Scaloni warned the media that Argentina’s overall fitness situation remains delicate. While no player has been ruled out long term, six squad members are training separately because of physical setbacks. Scaloni said the coaching and medical staff will not take risks and that final selections for the tournament will depend on how players respond when the workload increases next week.

• Messi suffered hamstring fatigue while playing for Inter Miami in MLS before joining Argentina camp (source: World Soccer Talk).
• He has rejoined part of full-group training and could play minutes in friendlies against Honduras or Iceland (Scaloni quote, source: World Soccer Talk).
• Six other players are training apart due to various physical issues; Scaloni stressed that those not physically right could be left out of the World Cup roster (source: World Soccer Talk).
• Scaloni said the coming week will be decisive as the medical staff increases the intensity to assess recoveries (source: World Soccer Talk).

Context: what Scaloni needs to decide

According to the report, the coaching staff are managing recovery plans individually to avoid risking muscle tears after Messi’s hamstring fatigue. Scaloni emphasised a strict policy: if a player isn't physically ready by the time intensity ramps up, they risk exclusion from the final 26-man World Cup squad. The friendlies against Honduras and Iceland therefore serve both as fitness checks and last-minute rehearsals.

Scaloni specifically listed several players training away from the main group in the World Soccer Talk piece: Julián Álvarez (ankle), Nahuel Molina (muscle tear), Gonzalo Montiel (muscle tear), Leandro Paredes (muscle tear), Emiliano Martínez (fractured finger), and Nico Paz (minor knee fracture).

What happens next

Scaloni said the staff will evaluate Messi day by day to decide whether he plays against Honduras or Iceland. The upcoming week’s increase in training intensity will be the key test for Messi and other players on recovery programs, and will inform Scaloni’s final decisions on the World Cup squad.

This article is based on the World Soccer Talk report summarising Scaloni’s press conference; official team announcements or matchday lineups should be consulted to confirm Messi’s participation in the friendlies.