Messi watches as Argentina beat Honduras in World Cup preps
Captain Lionel Messi remained on the bench as Argentina continued its World Cup preparations with a 2-0 victory over Honduras on Saturday night, June 6, 2026.
Messi, who is recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, took part in the warmup at Kyle Field but watched from the sidelines as goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giuliano Simeone sealed a comfortable win.
You might also like
Despite his absence, Messi is expected to be fit in time for Argentina’s opening World Cup group match against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, 2026.
The veteran forward picked up discomfort in his left hamstring during Major League Soccer action on May 24, 2026 while representing Inter Miami CF in a thrilling 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union. Medical assessments later confirmed muscle fatigue.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is not the only injury concern for the defending world champion.
Earlier on Saturday, June 6, 2026 defender Leonardo Balerdi was cut from the Albiceleste squad due to a lower leg injury.
Other fitness concerns
There are also fitness doubts over Gonzalo Montiel (quadriceps), Nahuel Molina (hamstring) and Leandro Paredes (hamstring), while forward Julian Alvarez (ankle) and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (hand) are expected to be available when the tournament starts.
Coach Lionel Scaloni said the long list of injuries meant he had not yet decided on a replacement for Balerdi. He said he would wait until after Argentina’s final warm-up game against Iceland to make any late changes.
“We’re not at 100 per cent with many players. We still have one more match to draw conclusions,” he said. “We have another game on Tuesday and we’re not rushing to choose the player who will join the squad.”
“What happened to Leo [Balerdi] means we have to evaluate several other teammates as well, and we won’t make any decisions until Tuesday without seeing how everyone else is.”
Argentina will begin their World Cup journey on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with a Group J encounter against the Algeria national football team before taking on Austria national football team and Jordan national football team in the remaining group-stage matches.
They will be looking for inspiration from Messi as they seek to retain the title.
