Lionel Messi's recent injury during Inter Miami's match against Philadelphia has raised concerns ahead of Argentina's 2026 World Cup campaign. With the national team's opening match against Algeria set for June 16, the timing of Messi's physical setback has prompted discussions about his fitness and workload management.

Scaloni Addresses Messi's Condition

In an interview with Diario Olé, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni provided insights into Messi's situation. He revealed that the forward concluded his club season while experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring. As a result, Messi's participation in Argentina's upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras and Iceland is now in doubt.

Cautious Approach to Workload Management

Scaloni emphasized the importance of communication in managing Messi's workload, stating, “Every decision we’ve made, we’ve discussed with him.” He acknowledged that Messi has earned the right to be involved in discussions about his fitness. The coaching staff plans to evaluate Messi's condition on a daily basis, assessing his physical progress and making decisions based on his responses to training and match situations.

“It’s useless to say right now that we have a rigid plan,” Scaloni noted, highlighting the need for flexibility in their approach. Messi is currently training separately from the main squad to ensure he is in optimal condition for the World Cup opener. The focus remains on gradually managing his return to full fitness as the tournament approaches.