Speaking to DSports, Scaloni struck a measured tone, noting that early medical feedback was “not entirely bad,” but acknowledged that the situation is far from ideal for a team defending its global title.
“The initial updates aren’t entirely bad,” he said.
He added a more sobering admission that will concern Argentina supporters: “We all wished Messi could have joined the squad fully fit, but that isn’t the reality.”
Hamstring fatigue raises early alarm
Messi was forced off in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s dramatic 6–4 win over Philadelphia Union after experiencing muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The club later confirmed the issue, stating that his return would depend on how he responds to treatment and recovery in the coming days.
The injury concern arrives at a delicate moment, with Messi expected to feature in what could be his sixth World Cup appearance, a milestone that already carries enormous global attention.
Scaloni stressed that further tests are needed before any definitive timeline is set.
“Now, we must wait to see how he evolves, pending the results of further tests to see if they confirm the initial medical reports,” he said.
Multiple injury worries across Argentina’s squad
Messi is not the only fitness concern for the reigning world champions. Scaloni revealed that several key players are also racing against time to recover before the tournament begins.
Among them is goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who suffered a fractured ring finger during warm-ups ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League final. Despite the setback, he still featured in the match and is expected to be available for Argentina’s opener against Algeria on June 16.
Defensive options are also under pressure. Cristian Romero is recovering from a knee ligament sprain, while right-back alternatives Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are both managing muscle-related issues.
Further concerns include midfielder Nico Paz, who missed club action due to a knee problem, and winger Nicolás González, who is still in the final stages of recovery from a muscle tear.
Scaloni emphasized that all players will remain under continuous assessment until the final squad list is submitted to FIFA.
“It’s not just him; many players have yet to fully recover from injuries. Our main priority now is their rehabilitation to ensure they reach the World Cup in peak condition,” he said.
Expanded squad and emergency planning
With uncertainty over fitness levels, Argentina have expanded their squad for upcoming warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland. The friendlies are part of a broader evaluation process ahead of the tournament.
New call-ups include goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán, winger Joaquín Freitas, midfielders Tomás Aranda and Simón Escobar, defender Ignacio Ovando, and full-backs Nicolás Capaldo and Agustín Giay.
Scaloni explained that the additions are not just developmental but also precautionary, given the unpredictable nature of injuries at this stage of preparation.
“Regardless of the fact that they are young and we are looking at them as future national team players, we are calling them up because something could happen between the time the initial squad list is finalized and our first match,” he said.
Countdown to Group J fixtures
Argentina are scheduled to begin their World Cup preparations in earnest with travel to their base camp at Sporting Kansas City on June 1.
The defending champions will open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City before facing Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27, with both remaining fixtures set for Arlington, Texas.
For now, however, attention remains firmly fixed on recovery timelines—especially for Messi, whose condition continues to shape Argentina’s World Cup outlook more than any tactical consideration.