Lionel Messi, Argentina Dealt Bad Leandro Paredes News 12 Days Before World Cup

However, Argentina received disappointing news regarding one of its most experienced midfielders on Saturday.

According to ESPN's Martín Arévalo , Leandro Paredes has been diagnosed with a hamstring tear that will require approximately three weeks of recovery. The injury rules him out of Argentina’s upcoming send-off friendlies and leaves his availability for the World Cup opener against Algeria in serious doubt, although he is still expected to be on the squad, per DS Sports' Nani Senra.

It’s a major setback for Scaloni's side. Paredes has been one of the manager's most trusted midfielders throughout Argentina's recent golden era, playing key roles during the Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024 as well as the 2022 World Cup victory.

His ability to shield the back line allows De Paul, Mac Allister and Fernández greater freedom further forward, making him a crucial piece of Argentina's preferred midfield structure. Paredes is one player Messi has grown accustomed to playing alongside, both on the national team and during their brief stint at PSG.

Messi himself is also being monitored closely. The Argentina captain has been dealing with a left hamstring overload since leaving Inter Miami's victory over the Philadelphia Union last Sunday. While initial reports have been encouraging, Argentina continues to manage his workload ahead of the tournament.

Argentina opens Group D against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan later in the group stage. On paper, they remain favorites. But losing Paredes for any portion of the tournament while also monitoring Messi's fitness is far from ideal preparation for a team attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title.