Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has moved to allay concerns over Lionel Messi's fitness, describing the star's latest injury as 'not that bad' with two weeks to go before the World Cup. Messi was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by Inter Miami after being substituted in their 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
Scaloni told Argentinian TV station DSports on Tuesday: 'Obviously we would have preferred that nothing had happened. Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis.' The 38-year-old remains Argentina's talisman as they prepare to defend the title won in Qatar four years ago.
Scaloni, who will name his squad next week, said he watched the match on television and was relieved Messi asked to come off. Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos explained that Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy, and he did not want to take a risk. Inter Miami's statement on Monday that 'the timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress' gave little indication of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's status.
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign on 16 June against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 28 June. Messi has not formally confirmed he will play, but is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth appearance at the finals, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa.
Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with staff regularly excusing him from congested fixtures. The MLS has paused for the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Argentina will play friendlies against Honduras on 6 June and Iceland on 9 June, both in the United States.
