Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has moved to calm fears over Lionel Messi's fitness, suggesting his latest injury 'is not that bad' with just two weeks remaining before the start of the World Cup. The 38-year-old star was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring by Inter Miami after he made an abrupt exit from their 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
Messi's Condition Assessed
Scaloni, speaking to Argentine TV station DSports on Tuesday, stated: 'Obviously we would have preferred that nothing had happened. Now one has to wait and see how it evolves and above all the new tests they are going to conduct in order to see if it confirms their original diagnosis.' The coach, who is set to name his final squad next week, revealed he had watched the match on television and was relieved that Messi had asked to come off.
Inter Miami's Stance
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos explained that Messi was tired, the pitch was heavy, and he did not want to take a risk with the player's fitness. The club's statement on Monday noted that 'the timeline for his return to physical activity will depend on his clinical and functional progress,' offering little clarity on the status of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Argentina's World Cup Campaign
Argentina will begin their World Cup defence on 16 June against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by matches against Austria on 22 June and Jordan on 28 June in Group J. Messi has not formally confirmed his participation in the tournament but is widely expected to make a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Workload Management
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has carefully managed his workload, with team staff regularly excusing him from matches during congested fixture periods. The MLS has now started a break for the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina will also play friendlies against Honduras on 6 June and Iceland on 9 June, both in the United States.
Off-Field News
In other news, a giant golden statue of Messi in Kolkata, India, erected to mark his visit last year, is swaying in the wind and will be removed. Workers have scrambled up the 21-metre statue, throwing ropes around its shoulders to secure it. The sculpture was unveiled during Messi's GOAT Tour of India in December.
