Scaloni Provides Latest Update on Messi's Condition – Admits He May Not Be Fully Fit for World Cup
Argentina coach Scaloni says captain Messi may not be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup after a recent injury with Inter Miami, though initial reports suggest it's not severe.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged that captain Lionel Messi may not be at full fitness when joining the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina, the defending champions from the 2022 World Cup, will compete in the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in Group F alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. While Argentina has not yet announced their 26-man squad for the World Cup defense, the main concern centers on Messi, the team's star striker, who recently suffered an injury while playing for Inter Miami, prompting questions about his readiness for the tournament. Scaloni has now provided an update on Messi's condition, acknowledging the star player may not be at 100 percent for defending the world championship. "The initial reports aren't entirely bad. Right now, we need to wait and see how his condition improves, pending further medical tests to confirm the medical findings," Scaloni said. "We all hope Messi will join the team at full fitness, but that's not reality. It's not just him either. Many players are still not fully recovered from injuries. Our main goal right now is to rehabilitate their bodies to ensure they go to the World Cup in the best possible physical condition."
