Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said initial assessments of Lionel Messi’s fitness are “not too bad” and expressed hope that further tests would confirm that diagnosis, with the World Cup just two weeks away.
Messi was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by his club Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS), after he was substituted early in the 73rd minute of a 6-4 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.
At 38, aiming to appear at a sixth World Cup, Messi remains the heartbeat of the Argentine national team as they seek to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has scored 116 goals in 198 appearances for Argentina.
“Of course, we wish nothing had happened,” Scaloni told Argentine television channel DSports on Tuesday. “Now, we have to wait for the next steps and, importantly, the new tests to be carried out to see if they confirm the initial diagnosis or not.”
Scaloni, who will announce his squad next week, added that he watched the match on TV at the federation headquarters and felt somewhat relieved when Messi asked to be taken off.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos explained after the match that Messi was tired, the field was heavy, and no one wanted to take risks with his fitness.
Inter Miami released a statement on Monday: “His return to physical activity will depend on clinical and functional progress.”
That offered little clarity on the condition of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Argentina begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. They then face Austria on June 22 and wrap up Group J with Jordan on June 28.
Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, with club staff routinely allowing him to rest during congested fixture periods.
The MLS has already begun its mid-season break to make way for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Messi has not officially confirmed plans to play in the World Cup, but is widely expected to return for a sixth finals appearance, equaling the record. The highlight of his career remains the final victory over France at the 2022 tournament.
Longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could also be playing in the tournament for a sixth time.
Argentina is scheduled to play two pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9, both on U.S. soil.
