Messi fitness concern forces Argentina to weigh two changes for England semi-final

Lionel Messi’s fitness is casting a shadow over Argentina’s preparations for their 2026 World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday, after the 39-year-old skipped the squad’s first training session following a bruising extra-time victory over Switzerland.

Messi took a heavy blow to his right eye from a Granit Xhaka challenge midway through the second half in Kansas City, and visibly struggled with the discomfort. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes were both withdrawn during extra-time, compounding the fitness concerns for head coach Lionel Scaloni ahead of the last-four tie against Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions.

All three players are expected to recover or prove their fitness in time, but Scaloni has given little away. The Argentina squad held a closed final training session in Kansas City before flying to Atlanta on Monday evening, and according to TyC Sports, Scaloni deliberately avoided naming a settled lineup, preferring to make his final decision once the squad has settled in the Georgian city.

Scaloni had fielded an unchanged starting XI for four consecutive matches, but the cumulative toll of games against Cabo Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland has left the squad looking jaded. Midfield is reported to be the area where he is least convinced heading into the semi-final.

Should Messi’s condition deteriorate before kick-off, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez could start together for the first time in the tournament. The pair have largely rotated throughout the campaign, but both delivered in the quarter-final — Alvarez curling in a stunning opener in the 112th minute before Martinez sealed the 3-1 win in stoppage time.

In midfield, either Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister could make way for Nicolas Gonzalez. Mac Allister, who scored the first goal at Arrowhead Stadium, may retain his place given his familiarity with several England players from the Premier League.

At right back, Nahuel Molina’s position is also under scrutiny after he was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel in the 85th minute against Switzerland. Scaloni could opt to start Montiel from the outset, despite having relied on Molina for the bulk of the tournament.