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Lionel Messi has been declared fit to represent the Argentina national football team in their upcoming match against Algeria.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Messi and two other vital players are fully prepared to feature in their opening fixture against Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina will take on Algeria in their Group J opener of the 2026 World Cup.

The match is scheduled to be held at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas, United States, on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) morning local time.

This clash with Algeria will mark the beginning of Argentina’s campaign in the 2026 edition of the tournament, as the reigning world champions.

With that prestigious status and their current position as the world’s number one ranked team, La Albiceleste are heavily favoured to secure victory.

In addition, Argentina boast a squad filled with world-class talent, giving them a significant advantage on paper over their North African opponents.

However, despite being favourites, Argentina had cause for concern as several key players suffered injuries in the lead-up to the tournament.

Among them was captain Lionel Messi, who had been sidelined due to an injury sustained while playing for his club, Inter Miami.

Encouraging news came when the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made a substitute appearance in Argentina’s final warm-up match.

As the opening match approaches, coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Messi’s fitness has improved significantly and that the superstar looks sharp in training sessions.

Scaloni reaffirmed that Messi will be ready to play against Algeria.

“Leo Messi is always there for us and remains a fundamental player,” Scaloni told Sportskeeda, as reported by BolaSport.com.

“He will be even more crucial now, and he looks to be in excellent condition at the moment,” he added.

In addition to Messi, two other key players who were previously doubtful are forward Julian Alvarez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Alvarez had been struggling with an ankle issue.

Meanwhile, the Aston Villa goalkeeper missed Argentina’s last two friendly matches after fracturing a finger.

This development comes as a huge relief for Argentine supporters, especially given the instrumental roles Alvarez and Martinez played in securing Argentina’s World Cup triumph in the previous edition.

Scaloni confirmed that both players have made full recoveries from their injuries.

They are expected to feature in tomorrow’s match.

“Julian Alvarez had an ankle problem, but his recovery has gone well and he’s ready to play tomorrow,” Scaloni explained.

“Emiliano Martinez is also in good shape and ready to play tomorrow,” the 48-year-old coach added.