Argentina’s National Team has set off alarm bells a few days before starting the defense of its title at the 2026 World Cup. The team led by Lionel Scaloni is going through a delicate moment due to injuries affecting several of its main players, including Lionel Messi, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez and Cristian Romero.
The outlook is especially worrying because the World Cup debut is getting closer and closer and the Albiceleste is still uncertain about the physical condition of several key players. The world champion arrives with doubts in defense, muscular discomfort in key players and an ever-growing infirmary.
Lionel Messi worries, but Argentina remains hopeful
The main concern revolves around Lionel Messi.
The Argentine captain suffered a physical discomfort during the match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union on May 24.
He had to leave the game early.
Medical studies revealed a muscle overload associated with fatigue in the left hamstring.
Although the problem does not seem serious, Argentina’s coaching staff decided to act with caution to avoid a relapse that could compromise their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
According to the medical report, Messi’s recovery could take between 10 and 14 days, so the striker could arrive with just enough time for his debut against Algeria.
All indications are that Scaloni will not use him in the previous friendlies against Honduras and Iceland in order to prioritize his full recovery.
Dibu Martinez plays injured and worries in Argentina
Another situation that is keeping the coaching staff on edge is that of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The goalkeeper suffered a broken finger during the warm-up before the 2026 Europa League final in Istanbul.
Despite the injury, “Dibu” played the game and managed to complete the match.
However, the discomfort still requires constant medical follow-up.
Although there is optimism within the Argentine National Team and it is expected that he will be able to play from the start of the 2026 World Cup, the goalkeeper would not be used in the friendly preparation matches either.
The World Cup debut is getting closer and closer
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Argentina’s defense, a major headache
Beyond Messi and “Dibu”, the biggest problem for Scaloni is in the defense.
Cristian Romero continues to recover from a sprained collateral ligament in his right knee.
Injury suffered during the season with Tottenham.
His evolution still generates uncertainty and it is not ruled out that he could miss the first matches of the group stage.
In addition to this situation, Nahuel Molina, Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel have physical problems.
Key players in the defensive scheme of the world champion.
In addition, Nicolás Paz has problems with his left knee, a situation that even prevented him from playing in one of his club’s most important matches in Italy.
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