Messi fitness doubt forces Scaloni to weigh line-up changes for Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England

Lionel Messi’s fitness is casting a shadow over Argentina’s World Cup 2026 semi-final preparations, with the captain absent from training following a knock to the eye sustained during the quarter-final victory over Switzerland in Kansas City.

Messi was struck by Granit Xhaka during the second half but remained on the pitch to complete the full 120 minutes. He has featured in all but one of Argentina’s matches at this tournament — starting every game except the opener against Algeria, when he was withdrawn in the final ten minutes — but his absence from the post-match session has raised concerns ahead of the clash with Thomas Tuchel’s England in Atlanta.

Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes also required substitutions during extra time against Switzerland, adding to the injury management challenges facing coach Lionel Scaloni. All three players are expected to prove their fitness before kick-off, but the situation has prompted Scaloni to consider departing from the unchanged starting XI he has named for four consecutive matches.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Scaloni deliberately avoided naming a settled line-up during the squad’s final training session behind closed doors in Kansas City, preferring to make his selection call once the group has settled into Atlanta. The report identifies midfield as the area where Scaloni feels least confident.

Should Messi not be passed fit to start, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez could partner each other from the beginning for the first time in the tournament. The two forwards have largely alternated on the bench throughout the campaign as Scaloni has worked to keep both fresh. Alvarez scored a stunning curler in the 112th minute to put Argentina ahead against Switzerland, with Martinez sealing the win in stoppage time.

Elsewhere in the XI, either Rodrigo De Paul or Alexis Mac Allister could make way for Nicolas Gonzalez. Mac Allister, who opened the scoring against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, faces several former Premier League team-mates in the England squad, and that familiarity may give him the edge in retaining his place.

Argentina have since left their Kansas City base and travelled to Georgia ahead of the semi-final.