Lionel Messi suffered a muscle strain about 10 days ago while playing for Inter Miami in a 6-4 MLS win over Philadelphia Union on May 26, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 38-year-old forward has since resumed partial training with the Argentina national team and is no longer training separately, signaling steady recovery [1, 2, 3, 4].
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, "Leo is doing well, he's already trained with the group for part of the session, and that's significant. He's no longer training separately. He is improving a lot and could even take part in one of the (warm-up) matches for a few minutes. We'll see whether it's this one or the next, but he's much better and that gives us peace of mind" [1]. He added in Mandarin that Messi’s involvement in group training is crucial and a very positive sign [3]. Another statement from Scaloni in Chinese confirmed Messi's good condition and end of isolated rehab sessions [4].
Scaloni emphasized Argentina's strict fitness standards: "We will not hesitate to replace any player who cannot reach 100% fitness by the final week before the World Cup to protect our defense of the title" [3]. The final squad will be 26 players, and injured teammates such as Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina remain in individual rehabilitation [3].
Messi is expected to feature as a substitute in either or both of Argentina's final warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. The team plays Honduras in Texas today, June 6, and Iceland in Alabama on June 9, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Coach Scaloni said, "I told him, 'You are called up.' That's how it happened" when notifying Messi of his selection [3].
Messi will be playing in his sixth World Cup, which begins June 11, 2026, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada [1, 2, 4]. Argentina’s group-stage opener is against Algeria on June 16 in Group J [1, 2, 4].
The upcoming warm-up matches offer Messi a chance to regain match fitness before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.
