Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina vs Honduras in World Cup prep friendly?

Lionel Messi is all set to play in his sixth World Cup soon.

With football’s most prestigious tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, under a week away from its commencement, the reigning title holders, Argentina, will be playing two World Cup pre-preparatory friendlies.

The team is currently having their base in Kansas City, with the side playing its first warm-up match against Honduras at the Kyle Field Stadium in Texas. Argentina will be entering with multiple injury concerns. The manager confirmed that Julián Álvarez, Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Paz are set to be unavailable due to injury concerns.

Also read: Will Neymar play for Brazil vs Egypt in World Cup prep friendly?

Lionel Scaloni updates on Lionel Messi’s availability against Honduras

Lionel Messi arrived for his World Cup duties on May 31, joining the national team camp. Manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, will be unavailable for the matchup against Honduras. This is due to a muscle injury.

“He is improving a lot and could even take part in one of the friendly matches for a few minutes. We will see whether it is this one or the next, but he is much better, and that gives us peace of mind.”

Lionel Messi was injured on May 24, when he was substituted as a precaution after the player was seen clutching his legs. While scans eliminated the possibility of any major tear, Messi arrived for national duties without 100% match fitness.

Manager Lionel Scaloni and Argentina’s medical staff have decided to sideline the player for the Honduras fixture as a precautionary measure. The team are currently focusing on the player’s rehabilitation, with Messi set to get some minutes in their final friendly against Iceland, to enter the World Cup fully fit.

The defending champions are placed in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, considered an easily progressable group for the South American side. They will compete alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

Argentina will start their title defence against Algeria on June 17 at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

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