Messi to feature in Argentina’s final World Cup warm-up against Iceland
Lionel Messi is set to return for Argentina in their last warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026, with head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming his participation against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama. Messi had missed Argentina’s 2-0 friendly win over Honduras on June 6 due to muscle fatigue but has since rejoined the squad. The coach stated that Messi will play, though the number of minutes will be decided after further assessment. The team is also monitoring other players’ fitness as they prepare for their World Cup title defence.
Match highlights
- Lionel Messi will play against Iceland in Argentina’s final pre-World Cup match, as confirmed by Lionel Scaloni.
- Messi missed the 2-0 win over Honduras on June 6 due to hamstring fatigue but participated in pre-match warm-up.
- Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina, and Gonzalo Montiel are available after recovering from injuries.
- Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes are progressing well with their fitness issues, according to Scaloni.
- Argentina will open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16.
