Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina
16 June 2026
Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez are available for Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. Messi has managed a mild hamstring issue, Alvarez an ankle problem and Martinez a fractured ring finger.
Scaloni said Argentina are calm before starting their title defence and will monitor only Nicolas Tagliafico before naming the team. The fitness boost gives the holders their main attacking and goalkeeping pillars for the Group J opener.