Scaloni cautious but optimistic over Messi’s fitness

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed measured optimism regarding Lionel Messi’s condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup, stressing that the medical team must wait for further tests before drawing conclusions. Messi, thirty‑eight, asked to be substituted during his final MLS match before the tournament after feeling discomfort in his left thigh. Inter Miami later confirmed he is dealing with overload linked to fatigue in his left hamstring, with his return dependent on clinical progress.

Scaloni admitted he felt relieved to see Messi request the change, noting that avoiding unnecessary risks is essential. The forward has managed recurring hamstring problems in recent seasons, missing parts of Miami’s pre‑season earlier this year. Argentina begin their title defence on June sixteen against Algeria, having been drawn with Jordan and Austria in Group J. Should he be selected, Messi would appear in his sixth World Cup, matching Cristiano Ronaldo and other historic figures.