Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Argentina vs Honduras?

Argentina will be playing two friendly matches before the start of the World Cup next Thursday. Argentina will play Honduras tonight at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

Argentina have their 26 man roster ready for the World Cup and the two friendly matches. Lionel Messi is included in the roster and will play his 6th World Cup with Argentina.

Messi arrived with the rest of the national team at the camp for the World Cup and trained ahead of the friendly match against Honduras.

Despite training with the team this week, Messi is not starting for Argentina against Honduras. Messi may not play the match at all tonight and could be back for the next friendly match against Iceland.

Messi suffered a hamstring injury scare a few weeks ago while playing for Inter Miami after being taken off in the 73rd minute and walking straight to the locker room. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni explained Messi's fitness situation before the match.

Lionel Scaloni on Lionel Messi's Absence from Starting XI

Lionel Scaloni revealed that Lionel Messi has recovered well from the muscle fatigue he suffered after the previous Inter Miami match.

Reports from Argentina suggested that Messi would be back for the Iceland friendly match, but Scaloni revealed that Messi could get a few minutes against Honduras tonight if they feel that he is ready and fit.

Scaloni said, "Leo Messi is much better; he trained alongside the group yesterday. He could even get some minutes tomorrow, if not, against Iceland."

Messi will likely be rested for the friendly against Iceland, and he is expected to be 100% fit in time for Argentina's first World Cup group stage match against Algeria on June 16, 2026.

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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 4:29 PM.