Messi, 8 players injured before World Cup, Scaloni worried

Reigning world champions Argentina have arrived in the United States ahead of the World Cup. However, the team has been hit by injury problems before the start of the tournament. Lionel Messi and eight players are suffering from various injuries, which has increased coach Lionel Scaloni's concerns.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes will be out of the field for at least three weeks due to a hamstring injury. As a result, he will not be available for Argentina's first World Cup match against Algeria on June 17, as well as the friendly match.

Meanwhile, captain Lionel Messi suffered a mild hamstring problem while playing for Inter Miami. Although his injury is not serious, he may be rested for two warm-up matches as a precaution. Similarly, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will not play in the warm-up matches due to a finger injury.

The list of injuries includes Nico Paz, Christian Romero, Julián Álvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada. Most of them are in the rehabilitation process, but there is uncertainty about their full fitness before the World Cup.

Argentina will play warm-up matches against Honduras on June 7 and Iceland on June 10. Then, Lionel Scaloni's team will start the World Cup campaign with a match against Algeria on June 17. Whether the stars can return in time after overcoming the injury crisis is now the biggest concern in the Argentina camp.