Messi will play against Iceland in Argentina’s last test before the World Cup

Messi will play against Iceland in the last friendly before the World Cup. Scaloni confirmed his participation.

Publicado 8 junio, 2026 el 8 de junio a las 22:10 | 2 mins reading |1,071 vistas | por Miguel Torres

Lionel Messi left behind muscle fatigue and a slight strain in his left hamstring. The Argentine captain will be available for Tuesday’s match against Iceland, the team’s last test before the World Cup.

“Messi is going to play. I don’t know how many minutes, I have to talk to him and we will see how long he will be there so as not to have any risk,” Lionel Scaloni said at a press conference.

The star, who will turn 39 in a few days, recovered from the discomfort he suffered on May 24 in his last game with Inter Miami. Although he is now training normally, he did not add minutes in the 2-0 victory against Honduras last Saturday.

The Albiceleste medical report

Scaloni did not confirm whether Messi will start or come off the bench. The duel against Iceland is the final test before the World Cup debut against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, in Group J, which includes Austria and Jordan.

“Tomorrow’s game is an important milestone. Seeing everything that is happening, it worries me, I want all the players to finish well,” admitted the coach, who avoided revealing the rest of the lineup: “If the friendly wasn’t there, we would have more peace of mind to prepare for the game with Algeria.”

Regarding the injured, Scaloni reported that the full-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are already fit to play, as is the forward Nicolás Paz, who has recovered from a blow to his knee. On the other hand, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (fractured ring finger on his right hand), Julián Álvarez (sprained ankle) and Leandro Paredes (tear) work differently.

Regarding the Aston Villa goalkeeper, Scaloni announced that on Friday the cast will be removed and he will be evaluated to see if he will be able to save against Algeria. Of the other two, he hopes that they will join the group at the end of the week.

Definitions in the payroll

After the friendly, Scaloni will define the replacement for defender Leonardo Balerdi, who was sidelined on Saturday due to a strain. The coach did not rule out calling a player from another position. “It is very difficult, not only for us but for the other teams, to reach 100%,” he concluded.

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Beccacece recognizes Mexico’s superiority after eliminating Ecuador

Beccacece recognized Mexican superiority and confirmed the end of his cycle at the head of Ecuador.

Publicado 23 minutes ago el 1 de julio a las 21:09 | 2 mins reading

Beccacece: “Mexico surpassed us”

After Ecuador’s elimination in the round of 32 against Mexico, at the Azteca Stadium, Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece avoided excuses. He publicly recognized the dominance of the tricolor team and confirmed that the match closed its cycle at the head of the Ecuadorian squad.

“I was not surprised, we knew what Mexico could do and we could not neutralize them. Mexico surpassed us and I have no complaints,” he declared at a press conference.

Beccacece highlighted the work of the team led by Javier Aguirre and the impact of the environment on the Coloso de Santa Úrsula. “They are a well-worked team. I wish we had played the whole game like the second half,” he added.

The coach thanked his players for their dedication during the tournament. He expressed sadness for the fans who traveled from Ecuador with the hope of seeing their team go far.

“It is a sad and painful night for the Ecuadorian people. My contract ended at the end of the World Cup. We have built a dignified and transparent legacy,” he concluded.

The defeat left a significant impact on Ecuadorian fans, who hoped for a better performance in the World Cup.

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Neuer confirms his goodbye to the Germany team after World Cup elimination

The historic German goalkeeper announced his retirement from the national team after the defeat against Paraguay.

Publicado 1 hour ago el 1 de julio a las 19:55 | 1 min reading

The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, confirmed his definitive retirement from the German team after the elimination in the round of 32 of the World Cup. The defeat on penalties against Paraguay sealed his farewell.

“We did not live up to expectations. The premature elimination from the World Cup is extremely disappointing. We should have gone further in this edition. This epilogue is very painful,” declared the 40-year-old goalkeeper.

Neuer had left the Mannschaft after Euro 2024, but returned to play in his fifth World Cup. He was a key figure in the 2014 Brazil title. In his final message, he expressed gratitude towards the fans.

“I feel indescribable disappointment, but also immense gratitude to you for your support throughout all these years and this tournament,” he concluded.

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Belgium vs Senegal: duel of ups and downs in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup

Belgium and Senegal face each other in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with irregular campaigns.

Publicado 2 hours ago el 1 de julio a las 19:04 | 1 min reading

Belgium and Senegal seek a place in the quarterfinals

The round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup begins to be defined. Belgium and Senegal will meet this Wednesday for a ticket to the next round.

The Belgian team arrives with its golden generation in decline. In the group stage they added one win and two draws, leaving more questions than certainties. Its collective functioning does not inspire full confidence, despite having renowned figures.

Senegal, for its part, advanced as one of the best third parties. They secured their ticket by beating Iraq in the last match of the first round. They are not favorites, but they aspire to a surprise, like those that have already been seen in the tournament.

Match schedule and broadcast

Time: 2:00 p.m. (central Mexico time)
Transmission: VIX with World Cup pass

Both teams show irregular performance, which adds uncertainty to the match. The winner will face the winner of the duel between the leader of Group A and the second in Group B.