Argentina continues their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against Honduras on Saturday night at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. The match serves as one of the final tune-ups for Lionel Scaloni’s squad before their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.
The defending world champions enter the game in excellent form, having won each of their last five matches. Argentina has scored freely during that stretch, including recent victories over Zambia, Puerto Rico, and Mauritania. Honduras arrives after a mixed run of results and will use the match as an opportunity to test themselves against one of the tournament’s favorites.
A major focus ahead of kickoff is the status of Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star has been recovering from a hamstring issue, and Scaloni addressed his availability during his pre-match media briefing.
Lionel Messi’s Availability for Argentina vs Honduras
GettyLionel Messi participates during a Team Argentina training session
Lionel Messi is not in Argentina’s starting lineup against Honduras.
The Inter Miami star had been considered a game-time decision after recovering from a recent hamstring issue. Argentina will continue to monitor his condition, and Messi could still feature later in the match if the coaching staff believes he is fully fit.
Ahead of the game, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said:
“Leo is doing well. Leo trained for a part with the group, which is important. He’s not fully separated; he’s coming along.”
“He may be part of the friendly matches, getting some minutes in these two friendlies. We’ll see if it’s the one tomorrow or the next one. But he’s doing a lot better and that gives us tranquility.”
The 38-year-old is preparing for what could be a record sixth FIFA World Cup appearance.
Argentina Lineup vs Honduras
GettyArgentina’s Nicolas Otamendi, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso take part in a training session at Kyle Field in College Station
Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad while also giving key players valuable minutes before the tournament begins.
Argentina have confirmed their lineup for Saturday’s friendly, with Lionel Messi beginning the match on the bench.
Argentina starting XI:
Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentin Barco; Giovanni Lo Celso; Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez.
The lineup includes several experienced internationals, including Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Giovanni Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez, while Lionel Scaloni also gives opportunities to younger players such as Agustin Giay and Valentin Barco.
Honduras Lineup vs Argentina
Honduras failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and enter the friendly looking to build experience against elite opposition.
Honduras have also confirmed their lineup for the international friendly.
Honduras starting XI:
Edrick Menjivar; Carlos Melendez, Joseph Rosales, Denil Maldonado, G. Sacaza; Kervin Arriaga, Edwin Rodriguez, D. Moncada; Rigoberto Rivas, Jorge Benguche, Luis Palma.
Luis Palma leads the attack for Honduras as the visitors look to challenge the reigning world champions in Texas.
Argentina and Honduras Recent Form
Argentina has won five consecutive matches.
The run includes victories over Mauritania, Venezuela, Zambia, and Puerto Rico. During that stretch, Scaloni’s side scored 14 goals while conceding only once.
Honduras has recorded one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Their most notable recent result was a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Haiti, while they also drew 2-2 with Peru in their most recent friendly.
The two nations have met three times previously, with Argentina winning all three encounters. Their most recent meeting came in September 2022 when Argentina earned a 3-0 victory.
TV Channel and Start Time for Argentina vs Honduras
The friendly will take place at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
Kickoff Time:
- 8:00 p.m. ET
- 5:00 p.m. PT
- 5:30 a.m. IST
- 1:00 a.m. BST (June 7)
How to Watch in the United States:
- ESPN Deportes
- ESPN App
- Fubo
Argentina will also play Iceland in another friendly before opening their FIFA World Cup title defense against Algeria on June 16. Saturday’s match offers Scaloni one more opportunity to assess his squad and determine Messi’s readiness before the tournament begins.
Is Lionel Messi Playing Today for Argentina vs Honduras? Lineup, TV Channel and Start Time