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Argentina cruised to an easy 2-0 victory over Honduras in their 2026 World Cup qualifying warm-up match, held in Texas on Saturday. The reigning champions dominated throughout the game, with Lautaro Martínez and Giuliano Simeone finding the back of the net at College Station.

Superstar Lionel Messi was on the bench but did not play, as coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rest him while he continues recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on May 24. Scaloni aims to have Messi fully fit for the World Cup group stage.

The match, initially rather slow, came alive in the 37th minute when Nicolás Tagliafico was fouled inside the box by Cristopher Meléndez. Inter Milan striker Martínez calmly converted the penalty with a low shot to the left, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.

In the 54th minute, Martínez turned provider as his clever backheel assist set up Atlético Madrid forward Simeone, who slotted the ball past Honduran goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar to double Argentina’s advantage.

Giovani Lo Celso came close to scoring with a curling strike that hit the crossbar in the first half, while Tomas Aranda saw his effort in the second half pushed away by the Honduran keeper. Honduras struggled to get past the halfway line as Argentina maintained total control.

Coach Scaloni said that even with several younger players in the squad, the team demonstrated a strong sense of identity as they prepare to defend their world title. “It could have been better, but the team’s identity remains intact, and that’s the most important thing. In the end, that’s what we always aim to preserve,” he said.

Argentina will play their final friendly against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday before beginning their World Cup group campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Scaloni hinted that Messi might see limited action in one of these friendlies, likely against Iceland.

Argentine Fans and Lionel Messi Supporters in Central Kalimantan Await the Legend’s 2026 World Cup Performance

Argentine supporter and GKE Sakatik pastor Sastra Wijaya commented on the current squad from the South American giants. “Under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership, Argentina continues to show a disciplined, cohesive, and championship-driven playing identity,” he said.

“This team no longer relies solely on one player but thrives on collective play, inter-line coordination, and improved squad depth. The presence of young players brings fresh energy, helping Argentina stay competitive amid intense global rivalry.”

Wijaya believes Argentina has a strong chance to win back-to-back World Cup titles in 2026, citing their experience and solid teamwork. “Besides Lionel Messi, two players who could shine in the 2026 World Cup are Lisandro Martínez and Julián Álvarez,” he added. “The toughest challengers for Argentina will be France, Portugal, and Spain.”

As a devoted Argentina fan, Wijaya admitted that witnessing Messi’s final World Cup appearance will evoke mixed emotions. “It’s a proud moment to have seen the greatest player ever wear the Albiceleste shirt, but also sad because it marks the end of a beautiful era. Every touch, every goal, and every assist will feel more precious—when the final whistle blows, it will be like saying goodbye to a legend who made Argentina’s dreams come true.”

At 38, Messi has not formally confirmed his participation in what would be a record-breaking sixth World Cup. However, it is widely expected that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will lead Argentina once again, four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar.

Thursday’s squad announcement notably omitted Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, one of Argentina’s brightest young prospects. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11, with Argentina’s first match five days later against Algeria in Kansas City.

Concerns have recently grown over Messi’s fitness after Inter Miami confirmed he was diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. The Major League Soccer club has not specified his return date after he exited Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia in the 73rd minute on Sunday, though Scaloni downplayed the severity of the issue.

Meanwhile, centre-back Cristian Romero, recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him since last month, has also been included. The Tottenham Hotspur captain has been ruled out for the remainder of the Premier League season after a collision with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

Seventeen of the 26 players who lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar retain their spots. Young talents called up include 21-year-olds Nico Paz and Valentín Barco. Palmeiras forward José Manuel López, who made his international debut last year, is also part of the squad.

Notable absentees include Aston Villa’s in-form Emiliano Buendía and AS Roma star Paulo Dybala. Argentina will travel to the United States for pre-World Cup friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9. Their group also includes Austria and Jordan.

Alongside Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa are also expected to make their sixth World Cup appearances this summer.

Argentina’s 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup:

Goalkeepers:
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Gerónimo Rulli (Marseille)
Juan Musso (Atlético Madrid)

Defenders:
Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille)
Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate)
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
Facundo Medina (Marseille)
Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid)

Midfielders:
Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors)
Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami)
Valentín Barco (Strasbourg)
Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)
Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Forwards:
Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Nicolás González (Atlético Madrid)
Thiago Almada (Atlético Madrid)
Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid)
Nico Paz (Como)
José Manuel López (Palmeiras)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

Coach: Lionel Scaloni