FIFA World Cup 2026 | Lionel Messi injury update: Fitness not that bad, says Argentina coach Scaloni

Though Messi has not confirmed his plans to play, the 38-year-old is expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at World Cup.

As a cloud of uncertainty hovers around the participation of Lionel Messi for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said initial news regarding the star's fitness was not that bad.

The 38-year-old was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by his Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami after he made an abrupt exit from Miami's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday.

"Obviously we would've preferred that nothing had happened," Scaloni was quoted as by saying by Argentinian TV station DSports.

"Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they're going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis."

Scaloni, who is due to name his squad next week, added he had watched the match on TV at the federation's headquarters and been relieved that Messi had asked to come off.

Inter manager Guillermo Hoyos explained after the match Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy and no-one wanted to take a risk with his fitness.

Inter Miami issued a statement saying: "The timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress."

MLS has started a break in its season for the FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with team staff regularly excusing him from matches in congested fixture periods.

Though Messi has not formally confirmed his plans to play, the 38-year-old is widely expected to return for what would be a record-matching sixth appearance at World Cup.

Argentina are set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.

They then play Austria on June 22 and round off Group J campaign with a match against Jordan on June 28.

(With inputs form agencies)