Argentina ready for World Cup semifinal vs England, Messi fit

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7367934/2026/06/16/lionel-messi-argentina-algeria-result/

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed satisfaction with his team’s condition as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal against England. The match is scheduled for July 15 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Scaloni highlighted that the players are in good shape and dismissed concerns about fatigue. Key players, including Lionel Messi, who had previously been dealing with hamstring fatigue, are reported to be fit and ready for the upcoming game. This development follows Argentina’s recent 3–1 victory over Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

Key Takeaways

• Scaloni’s comments about Argentina’s fitness suggest a positive outlook for their performance in the semifinal.
• Messi’s recovery and participation appear to boost Argentina’s chances against England.
• Market pricing suggests a decreased likelihood of Argentina’s early elimination from the tournament.

What to Watch

Argentina’s performance against England in the semifinal will be crucial for those assessing the team’s potential to reach the final. Observers will be keen to see if Messi’s return to fitness translates into a strong on-field performance. Should Argentina advance, market pricing would likely shift to reflect increased confidence in their ability to win the tournament. Conversely, a loss could reinforce a higher probability of elimination in the current stage.

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