Messi Set for Return as Argentina Face Iceland in World Cup Warm-Up Clash

(Lionel Messi. Photo Credit)

Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Argentina in their final warm-up match ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that the captain will feature against Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama.

Messi missed Argentina’s 2-0 friendly victory over Honduras on June 6 despite taking part in the pre-match warm-up, as he continued his recovery from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

The Inter Miami forward had joined the national team camp after experiencing discomfort during his club’s MLS fixture against the Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.

“Messi will play, I just don’t know how many minutes,” Scaloni said at a news conference. “I still need to talk to him in today’s training, and we will see how many minutes he plays to avoid any type of risks. We will decide, but in principle he will play.”

The Argentina coach added that the squad’s minutes would be carefully managed as the reigning world champions prepare for their title defence.

He also confirmed that Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina, and Gonzalo Montiel are available for selection after recovering from injuries that had forced them to train separately in recent days.

On other fitness concerns, Scaloni offered positive updates on Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes. “Julian Alvarez is doing well; he has an ankle discomfort that’s going away.

Lea Paredes is also coming along well; in the next few days, he’ll be able to rejoin the group,” he said.

Argentina are still weighing options to replace defender Leonardo Balerdi, who was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury and departing the squad last week.

Scaloni said the team can cover Balerdi’s position but are also exploring other options depending on how remaining injured players progress.

Argentina open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.