Lionel Scaloni Calms Fears Over Lionel Messi’s Fitness Ahead of World Cup

Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina head coach, has eased concerns over Lionel Messi’s latest injury, describing it as “not that bad” ahead of the World Cup. Messi, 38, was forced off in Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union on Sunday due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. Scaloni told DSports: “Obviously we would have preferred nothing happened, but now we wait and see how it evolves and the new tests.” Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos attributed Messi’s exit to tiredness and a heavy pitch, opting not to risk his fitness. Despite the injury, Scaloni seemed relieved Messi had asked to come off, suggesting caution. Messi has managed his workload since joining Inter Miami in 2023, often being excused from matches during congested periods. Argentina begins their World Cup defense on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, with friendlies against Honduras and Iceland preceding the tournament. Meanwhile, a 21m golden statue of Messi in Kolkata, erected after his visit last year, is being removed due to instability in the wind.

Messi’s participation in the World Cup, though not formally confirmed, is widely anticipated. If selected, it would be his sixth appearance, a record he could share with Cristiano Ronaldo and potentially Guillermo Ochoa. The MLS season has paused for the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.