Scaloni worried as Messi fitness hangs over Iceland friendly

Scaloni worried ahead of Iceland friendly

Lionel Scaloni admitted he would rather not face Iceland on Tuesday, with several Argentina players not at 100% physically ahead of the final warm-up before the World Cup. "If this game didn't exist, we'd have more peace of mind to prepare for Algeria," Scaloni said (4). Lionel Messi is among those not fully fit, and Leonardo Balerdi has already been cut from the squad. "I'm worried about finishing this preparation period well so we arrive without problems," Scaloni added (4).

Your last look before the World Cup

Argentina faces Iceland on Tuesday in the final friendly before the tournament kicks off (5). It follows a 2–0 win over Honduras, but the mood is cautious. Scaloni is managing a squad with several fitness concerns and the World Cup opener just days away.

Nico Paz tipped as breakout star

CBS Sports has named Nico Paz among the potential breakout players of the 2026 World Cup (1). The young midfielder arrives at the tournament with momentum and could be one of the fresh faces Argentina fans talk about long after the group stage.

Aranda celebrates debut

Boca Juniors youngster Aranda made his Argentina debut and shared the moment on social media (7). A small story now, but one that signals the depth Scaloni is building beyond the established core.

Fan reactions

Argentina fans online are split between excitement for the World Cup and anxiety over the injury list. The Nico Paz hype is building, with many calling for him to get real minutes early in the tournament. Scaloni's comments about the Iceland friendly have only sharpened the unease. Join the discussion on r/fulbo.