Messi Training Alone And Four Nations Making Their First

Messi Training Alone — And Four Nations Making History at Their First World Cup
Two of the biggest stories as the 2026 World Cup approaches: Argentina's captain in a race against time, and the debutants who never expected to be here


With the clock counting down to the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, two stories are dominating global football attention simultaneously. The first involves Lionel Messi, 38, training separately from his Argentina teammates. The second is the extraordinary arrival of four nations who have never qualified for a World Cup before — and who are about to play on the biggest stage in world sport for the first time in their history.


Messi Training Alone — What We Know
Lionel Messi joined Argentina's training base in Kansas City, United States, but followed an individual programme rather than participating fully with his teammates — a carefully managed recovery plan designed to ensure he reaches peak fitness before the tournament begins.

The Inter Miami captain has been dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring since May 24 but is expected to be ready for Argentina's opener against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.


How the Injury Happened
Messi made an early exit during Inter Miami's 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the 72nd minute, after feeling discomfort in his upper left leg on a soaked pitch in South Florida.

Medical tests quickly ruled out any serious muscle tear or structural damage.


Scaloni's Reassurance
"The injury is the past," coach Lionel Scaloni said. "Leo is working very well in training and he can get minutes already in the friendlies." Scaloni confirmed that Messi has already returned to training with the squad after the injury scare.


Other Players Being Managed
Messi was not alone in following an individual programme. Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes, Nico González, Thiago Almada, Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina also trained separately from the main group due to various fitness concerns. Most critically, Martínez suffered a fracture to the ring finger of his right hand on May 20 during Europa League Final preparations.


Positive News for Argentina
Defender Cristian "Cuti" Romero has recovered from a ligament sprain in his right knee and returned to full team training. Julian Álvarez has also returned after overcoming an ankle injury that had kept him sidelined since May 5. Their return strengthens Argentina's options as the defending champions fine-tune their preparations.


Messi's Sixth and Final World Cup
The two-time MLS MVP and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is competing in his record sixth World Cup. He has confirmed this will be his last. Every minute he plays in 2026 carries a weight that goes beyond football results.

Argentina are in Group J opening against Algeria on June 16, before facing Austria and Iceland.



Four Nations Making History — The Debut Stories
The 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams has opened the door for Cape Verde, Jordan, Curaçao and Uzbekistan — four nations that have never before qualified for a FIFA World Cup.