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Nico Paz (left) and Lionel Messi are among the Argentina national team players who have yet to reach full fitness as of Friday (5 June 2026).

According to reports, the Argentina national team has asked four players to stay ready to join the 2026 World Cup squad as potential replacements should last-minute changes be required.

Argentina’s preparations to defend their title at the upcoming tournament have been disrupted by a series of injuries affecting several players.

Most of the injured players are dealing with minor issues.

However, the coaching staff remains concerned that some may not recover in time for the start of the competition.

Julian Alvarez, who suffered an ankle injury, had initially been cleared to return to regular training.

But the Atletico Madrid forward began to feel pain again and had to step aside once more.

Nico Paz, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, and Leandro Paredes are also among those who are yet to be fully fit.

The same applies to team captain Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand.

Nonetheless, the issue is not expected to affect the Aston Villa keeper’s chances of starting in the opening match of the tournament.

The Argentina national team’s medical staff remains optimistic that the squad of 26 players selected by coach Lionel Scaloni can be maintained.

However, as a precautionary measure, La Albiceleste has reportedly requested four additional players to stay prepared as backups.

These players will be called up if any member of the current squad needs to be replaced at the last moment.

The four standby players are Santiago Beltran, Nicolas Capaldo, Maximo Perrone, and Emiliano Buendia.

As potential substitutes, they are required to maintain their fitness until Argentina’s first match kicks off.

According to tournament regulations, all 2026 World Cup participants are allowed to replace injured players up to 24 hours before their opening game.

Placed in Group J, Argentina will play their first match on 16 June.

The Sky Blue team will begin their campaign against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.