Argentina recently defeated Honduras and will now make their final appearance ahead of the 2026 World Cup against Iceland in Alabama. Lionel Messi is not in the starting lineup for the defending world champions, but his presence on the bench suggests that a second-half appearance is on the cards. Follow Iceland vs Argentina with us for minute-by-minute coverage with live updates!
On Monday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni guaranteed that Messi would get playing time against Iceland: “Yes, he will play. What I don’t know is how many minutes yet; I still need to speak with him during today’s training session. We will see how many minutes he plays to avoid any kind of risk. We will decide, but in principle he will get minutes.”
Messi’s influence on Argentina is evident, and his presence is often considered essential. With the intention of building rhythm ahead of the World Cup debut, the number 10 is expected to log minutes at Auburn’s stadium.
What ailments are affecting Messi?
Having shaken off a left hamstring overload sustained in his last Inter Miami game before the World Cup break, Messi is back to full fitness and training at 100%. The minor muscular discomfort is now safely behind him, clearing the way for the Argentine captain to rejoin the action before the big tournament.
Lionel Messi #10 participates during a team Argentina training session.
Argentina’s challenges ahead
Argentina will navigate Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting on June 16, when they make their debut against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. They will then travel to Texas to face Austria on June 22 at Dallas Stadium, before wrapping up their group stage campaign at the exact same venue on June 27 against Jordan.
Argentina aim to recover several players
Several key players in the Argentine squad are facing a race against time to reach peak fitness ahead of their tournament debut against Algeria. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is under close watch as he continues to recover from a fractured ring finger on his right hand, while midfielder Leandro Paredes is managing a hamstring injury suffered during club duties.
Meanwhile, forward Julian Alvarez is undergoing specialized regenerative treatment for a rolled left ankle, and young talent Nicolas Paz is working his way back from a left knee strain. Despite these physical setbacks, the coaching staff remains highly optimistic that all four stars will be fully available to take the pitch for the opening match.
