Messi sits out Argentina’s pre-World Cup friendly due to hamstring strain

Lionel Messi, who turns 39 in three weeks, sat out Argentina's pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras on Saturday, June 7, 2026, due to muscle fatigue and a mild left hamstring strain. The match was played at Kyle Field on the Texas A&M campus, with Messi warming up alongside teammates before remaining on the bench. Argentina officials stated his return depends on his 'clinical and functional progress' ahead of the country's World Cup title defence.