Messi to Play in Argentina's Final Warm-Up Before FIFA World Cup 2026
Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will feature in the team's final warm-up match against Iceland on June 9 in Auburn, Alabama, as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Messi is recovering from left hamstring muscle fatigue and missed the previous friendly against Honduras. Several players, including Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina, and Gonzalo Montiel, have returned from injury, while others like Julian Álvarez and Leandro Paredes are progressing well. Argentina opens their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16.