Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi is recovering well from a muscle injury and may play in final World Cup warm-up matches.
The update comes at a critical juncture for the national team as they prepare for the tournament in the U.S. Messi's fitness is central to Argentina's tactical planning and hopes for another title run.
Speaking from the team's training camp in Texas on June 5 [1], Scaloni said a positive assessment of the captain's physical condition. He noted that Messi has transitioned from isolated recovery to integrating with the rest of the squad.
"Leo is doing well," Scaloni said. "He has already trained with the group for part of the sessions, which is important. He is no longer training completely separately, so he’s progressing very well" [2].
The timing of the recovery is tight, with only 15 days remaining before the start of the 2026 World Cup [3]. The team is currently utilizing their time in Texas to finalize their roster and ensure all key players are match-fit. Scaloni said that Messi is recovering well from the recent muscle injury and could feature in the final warm-up fixtures [4].
While early reports regarding the injury were varied, Scaloni said that the initial concerns were not as severe as some suggested [3]. The focus now remains on a gradual return to full intensity to avoid a relapse before the opening match.
Argentina continues to refine its strategy in the U.S. training camp, balancing the need for Messi's leadership and playmaking with the necessity of cautious physical management, a delicate act as the tournament kickoff approaches.
“"Leo is doing well. He has already trained with the group for part of the sessions."”
Messi's return to group training reduces the risk of Argentina entering the tournament without their primary playmaker. By integrating him into warm-up matches, Scaloni can test his match fitness and chemistry with the squad under game conditions, ensuring the team is not relying on a theoretical recovery timeline just days before the opening match.
