Lionel Messi To Miss FIFA World Cup Starters? Argentine Superstar Opens Up On His Injury Ahead Of Opening Game

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was in headlines after Lionel Scaloni announced the La Albiceleste squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Thousands of fans were very concerned after their idol picked up an injury just before the marquee event.

Messi starred in Argentina’s final FIFA World Cup friendly against Iceland on Wednesday, where the reigning World Cup champions came up with a effortless win. The Inter Miami forward came on as a substitute on the 70th minute mark and showed his skill till the end that included a brilliant penalty goal.

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Messi expressed his relief after the warm-up match both on his performance as well as fitness concerns. The Argentine seemed happy with his current physical conditional which will uplift the supporters enthusiasm for the 23rd edition of the mega event.

As quoted by Goal.com Messi stated about his fitness in an excerpt to TyC Sports. “Enjoying it from the beginning, I was eager to play for a while since I arrived with this discomfort. I am very happy and enjoying every moment while being excited. I felt great, I was keen to start and shake off the fears you have when you have this discomfort, to be able to play freely. We have a week to get everyone fit and ready for the opening game.”

In the intense fixture which ultimately ended as a one sided affair, Iceland almost scored in the opening minutes. Henceforth, the La Scaloneta brought the game under control and dominated till the end.

Strikes from Valentin Barco, Lionel Messi and new sensation Thiago Almada made sure Argentina grabbed a fascinating win and enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup on a high note just from where they left in 2022 Qatar.

2026 FIFA Argetina’s World Cup Fixtures

Lionel Scaloni’s side are placed in Group J alongside Alphonso Davies’ Austria, Algeria and Asian heavyweights Jordan. Albiceleste are clear favorites to top the group and advance to the knockouts.

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Argentina’s FIFA World Cup Squad 2026

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Internazionale), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid)