ALHAFAR Overview

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.

Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono faces a nervous wait as he risks being dropped from Argentina's final World Cup squad. Despite reporting for international duty in peak physical condition, the teenage attacker could still be omitted by manager Lionel Scaloni before Sunday's deadline due to purely tactical considerations.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted that captain Lionel Messi will not be "fully fit" when he joins up with the national team for their 2026 World Cup defence. The Inter Miami superstar picked up a hamstring issue in his latest MLS outing, sparking panic among Argentina fans just weeks out from the summer tournament in North America.

Inter Miami provided an update on Lionel Messi after the 38-year-old was substituted Sunday against the Philadelphia Union due to physical discomfort. Following further tests Monday, the club said Messi’s initial diagnosis showed “overload associated with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring,” with his return to activity dependent on his “clinical and functional progress.”