Lionel Messi Set to Return for Argentina in Final World Cup Friendly
Last update: June 9, 2026
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He sat out the Honduras win, but Lionel Messi is back. Argentina’s captain is set to play against Iceland as the world champions fine tune for 2026.
Lionel Messi is ready to pull on the Argentina shirt again. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the captain will feature in their final warm up match ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, cbinews.tv reports.
Argentina face Iceland on Tuesday in Auburn, Alabama, and Messi is expected to get minutes. He missed the 2-0 friendly win over Honduras on 6 June, even though he joined the pre match warm up.
The Inter Miami star has been managing muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. He joined the national team camp after feeling discomfort during his club’s MLS game against Philadelphia Union before the league paused for the World Cup.
Scaloni said the squad’s game time will be watched closely as the reigning world champions get ready to defend their title.
There was more good news on the fitness front. Julian Alvarez is doing well, Scaloni said. He has an ankle discomfort that is going away. Leandro Paredes is also making progress and should rejoin the group in the next few days.
One issue Argentina are still sorting out is the back line. Defender Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out of the World Cup after a calf injury forced him to leave the squad last week. The coaching staff are weighing up replacement options.
Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign against Algeria on 16 June. They then face Austria and Jordan in Group J.
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