Worrying outlook of injured players in the Argentine National Team just hours before the debut in the 2026 World Cup

The Argentine National Team, reigning world champions, has settled into their training camp in Kansas with a squad affected by injuries. Just days before their debut in the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni's coaching staff faces their biggest concern: having almost the entire main team with physical problems.

Despite recent successes, such as winning the Copa América and leading in the Qualifiers, the team is not arriving in their best shape. The list of injured players is extensive and requires constant monitoring by the medical staff.

Scaloni made it clear that he needs all his players at peak physical, footballing, and mental levels. However, several key players ran out of steam at the end of the European and local seasons. These will be crucial days for evaluation before the friendlies and the World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16.

The most delicate cases

Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez is one of the most concerning cases. He fractured a finger on his left hand in the lead-up to the Europa League final and is seen with his hand bandaged and immobilized. It is a small fracture, but the goalkeeper will rest initially and could miss the preparatory matches.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi arrived at the training camp at the last minute. He is dealing with a strain in the back of his left leg after a precautionary exit from Inter Miami. While it raises alarms, he is expected to be fit for the World Cup debut, although he is doubtful for the friendlies against Honduras and Iceland.

Leandro Paredes is also under scrutiny. After Boca's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, there were talks of a muscle tear, but this was denied: he is suffering from a severe cramp in his right hamstring. His presence in the World Cup is not at risk and he could gain minutes in the trials.

Gonzalo Montiel suffered a grade 2 tear just over two weeks ago with River. He will be tested in training, and if he does not respond, he could give up his spot to options like Giay or Capaldo, who are traveling as observers.

Other players in recovery

Nahuel Molina is going through a similar situation, although with a milder injury. He is expected to be a starter in the debut if everything evolves well. Cristian Romero, meanwhile, is continuing his recovery from a ligament injury in his right knee with Tottenham. The coaching staff sees him available for the World Cup, but not for the previous friendlies.

Nicolás Paz has already overcome the contusion in his left knee and is excited about his first World Cup experience. Julián Álvarez twisted his left ankle in the Champions League and aggravated the discomfort by playing without being fully recovered. He is already looking better and could be available.

Thiago Almada, like Messi, has accumulated muscle fatigue from the series of matches. He is expected to be at a hundred percent for the start of the competition.

The entire squad will undergo thorough evaluations in the coming days on U.S. soil. Scaloni knows that the depth of the team is key, but the priority is to recover the starters to face the defense of the world title with guarantees. Expectations are high for the Albiceleste, despite the physical clouds surrounding the group.