Scaloni admits fitness concerns as Argentina eyes World Cup title defense

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that "many players are not yet 100 percent fit" as the defending World Cup champions prepare for their June 16 group-stage opener against Algeria, The Korea Times reported Sunday.

The admission comes with captain Lionel Messi managing a thigh muscle injury and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez sidelined by a broken finger, raising questions about Argentina's readiness as the 2022 champion opens its title defense.

Messi, who will be nearly 39 years old as the tournament unfolds, watched Wednesday's 2-0 warm-up win over Honduras from the bench in College Station while managing the thigh problem. Before the friendly, Scaloni said of his captain: "Leo is making good progress, he has already trained partly with the team and that is very good," according to The Korea Times.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also working his way back after breaking a finger ahead of Aston Villa's Europa League final victory over Freiburg. Scaloni offered no timetable for Martinez's return to the squad.

Argentina faces Algeria on June 16 to open their defense of the World Cup title they won in 2022. Group opponents also include Austria and Jordan.

Scaloni did not identify how many players were affected by fitness issues or specify whether Messi would be available for the opener against Algeria.

Argentina has not confirmed a starting lineup or whether Messi or Martinez will feature in the June 16 opener against Algeria.