Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi is fully recovered from recent hamstring discomfort and is fit to feature against Algeria in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Messi, who plays his club football for Inter Miami CF, is expected to make history by appearing in a record sixth World Cup tournament. The 38-year-old forward is also approaching several personal milestones, including what would be his 200th international appearance and his 27th World Cup match.
Scaloni also delivered positive updates on two other key players, confirming that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Julián Álvarez are both available for selection despite recent injury concerns.
Martínez had been dealing with a fractured finger, while Álvarez was managing an ankle issue. However, the coach stressed that both have recovered sufficiently to be considered for the opening fixture.
“Calm because it’s just a game of football,” Scaloni said. “We have the experience of the last World Cup; the first game is not fundamental. It’s important, but it doesn’t end with the first game. We are good; we are calm.”
He added that Argentina are preparing steadily for a strong opponent. “We are facing a good team with great players. But we are calm; we are arriving at a good moment. Everyone wants to see Messi on the field.”
Scaloni also dismissed any concerns over Messi’s readiness, highlighting the captain’s consistency and importance to the squad. He noted that Messi has often arrived in different physical conditions in the past but has always delivered when it matters most.
On the fitness of his squad, Scaloni confirmed: “Emiliano is okay; Emiliano is available for tomorrow… Julian had an ankle problem, but his recovery has been good, and for tomorrow he is available and an option. There are no injured players.”
With all key players cleared, Argentina head into their World Cup opener with a near-full-strength squad and renewed confidence as they prepare to begin their campaign on the global stage.
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