Injuries cloud Argentina’s World Cup camp as Messi among eight struggle for fitness

Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup in the United States have been overshadowed by a growing injury list, with captain Lionel Messi among eight players dealing with fitness concerns, adding to coach Lionel Scaloni’s selection worries.

The reigning world champions arrived in Missouri after an 11-hour flight from Ezeiza International Airport, touching down at around 11 a.m. local time on Sunday following a journey of over 5,500 miles.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury, while several other key players are also either injured or being carefully managed ahead of the tournament.

Messi, who recently left the field with a hamstring concern during Inter Miami’s match against Philadelphia, is reported to have suffered only a minor muscle strain. However, he is expected to be rested for both upcoming warm-up matches as a precaution.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is also unavailable for the friendlies after sustaining a finger injury during a warm-up session ahead of the Europa League final. He is expected to recover in time for Argentina’s opening World Cup fixture.

Young midfielder Nico Paz is also sidelined after experiencing discomfort in his left knee, while defender Cristian Romero continues rehabilitation following a ligament injury suffered in April and is still not fully fit.

Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, who picked up an ankle injury last month, is nearing full recovery but remains under medical supervision. His club teammate Nicolás González is also being closely monitored after an April setback.

Defender Gonzalo Montiel is dealing with a grade-two muscle injury, while Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada are also carrying minor muscle issues.

Argentina, who are based in Kansas City, are scheduled to play Honduras in Texas on Saturday in their first warm-up match, followed by another friendly against Iceland three days later.

Scaloni is expected to make cautious selections as he manages fitness concerns ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria on June 17.