Argentina’s Injury Picture Update: Who’s Out, Who’s Close, and When They’ll Be Ready | OneFootball

With the 2026 World Cup roughly ten days away, defending champions Argentina are managing a cluster of fitness concerns from their base camp at Sporting Kansas City’s training complex.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has already warned about potential changes to the roster if any of around 10 affected players fail to regain full fitness in time. The good news for fans: most of the issues appear minor, and most key names are expected back for the group stage.

The Headline Hurts

Lionel Messi is, of course, the major concern. He is currently managing muscle fatigue along with a minor strain in his left hamstring. He isn’t expected to feature in the warm-up match against Honduras, though he should be available for the Iceland friendly.

Messi has completed individual exercises under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff, and reports indicate Argentina remain optimistic about his being fully available for their opening World Cup match against Algeria.

Emiliano Martínez faces the clearest setback. The goalkeeper has a very small fracture and will sit out both friendlies as he recovers over the coming days. However, he confirmed via comments that he will be ready for the World Cup opener against Algeria: “I’m very good, I will be there.”

The Other Walking Wounded

Here’s the status of several others who on the road to recovery.

Nico Paz suffered a knock that is improving, and the playmaker is expected to be available for the World Cup opener.

Leandro Paredes does not have a tear and is set to be available against Algeria in Argentina’s first match.

Nicolás González has nearly completed his recovery from a muscle tear and is expected to return to full training shortly.

Nahuel Molina is recovering from a tear and is close to full fitness.

Gonzalo Montiel recently suffered a muscle tear, with his full condition not yet confirmed.

Cristian Romero suffered a MCL sprain in a mid-April match against Sunderland. His initial prognosis was a 5-8 week recovery, and he’s been cleared for training as of this week.

Julián Álvarez was apparently been medically cleared from his ankle injury sustained in late April in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. Both he and Romero are expected back for the June friendlies prior to the World Cup.

Argentina’s June Timeline

The upcoming friendlies against Honduras (June 6) and Iceland (June 9) are essentially being used to rest the walking wounded. The most important target date is the group-stage opener which, as they are in Group J, is late.

Argentina will debut against Algeria on June 16 at Kansas City Stadium, then face Austria on June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and close the group stage against Jordan on June 27, again in Dallas.