Lionel Scaloni has expressed concern over the fitness of several Argentina national football team players, including captain Lionel Messi, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Concerns over Messi’s condition emerged after the Inter Miami forward requested to be substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF’s 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Following the match, Inter Miami released a medical update indicating that the Argentine star was dealing with muscle fatigue.
According to the club, additional examinations revealed a preliminary diagnosis of overload related to fatigue in Messi’s left hamstring, adding that his return to full activity would depend on his clinical and functional recovery.
Speaking in an interview with DSports, Scaloni said the early medical reports offered some encouragement but stressed that the team would continue monitoring Messi’s progress closely.
“The initial updates are not entirely negative; we must wait to observe his progress, pending the outcomes of further tests to verify the initial medical assessments,” Scaloni stated.
The Argentina coach, however, admitted that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is unlikely to report to the national team camp at full fitness.
Scaloni further disclosed that Messi is not the only player currently battling fitness concerns ahead of the tournament.
“We all hoped Messi could join the squad in peak condition, but that is not the case,” he said.
“It is not only him; several players are still in the process of recovering from injuries. Our primary focus now is on their rehabilitation to ensure they arrive at the World Cup in optimal form.”
Defending champions Argentina are expected to begin preparations soon as they target another successful campaign at the global tournament.
La Albiceleste have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria national football team, Austria national football team and Jordan national football team for the group stage of the competition.