Lionel Messi Injury Update, Return Timeline Provided by Argentina's Scaloni Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni provided an update on Lionel Messi's hamstring injury while he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"Leo is doing well," Scaloni said Friday, per ESPN's Lizzy Becherano. "Leo trained for a part with the group, which is important. He's not fully separated; he's coming along. He may be part of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies. We'll see if it's the one tomorrow or the next one. But he's doing a lot better and that gives us tranquility."

Messi was previously substituted during Inter Miami's 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Union on May 25 due to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring.

According to ESPN's Adriana Garcia, Messi is expected to recover in time for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16 despite training on his own during the team's initial practice session.

Given Scaloni's latest comments, it seems as though the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has a chance to suit up earlier than that.

The Argentinian squad will play Honduras in a friendly on Saturday before the team is set to face Iceland in another friendly on Tuesday.

Argentina is looking to become the first country to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1962.