Argentina have been dealt a further injury concern ahead of the upcoming World Cup, with experienced defender Marcos Acuña forced off due to a hamstring problem.
According to Argentine media outlet , Acuña was named in the starting XI for River Plate’s match against Belgrano. During the course of the game, he experienced discomfort in his right hamstring and was subsequently substituted and taken off the field.
The 34-year-old has previously struggled with fitness issues in the same hamstring, which adds further concern for both his club and the national team as preparations intensify for the World Cup. His latest setback comes at a time when Argentina are finalising their squad selection and monitoring player fitness closely.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is approaching the deadline for announcing his final World Cup squad, which is expected to be confirmed on either Thursday or Friday. The timing of Acuña’s injury therefore presents an additional selection consideration for the coaching staff.
At present, there has been no official medical update detailing the severity of Acuña’s condition. However, his situation forms part of a wider set of fitness concerns affecting several key Argentina players in the build-up to the tournament.
Among those currently managing injuries or fitness issues are goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Cristian Romero, and full-back Gonzalo Montiel. In addition, Lionel Messi has also recently been affected by physical discomfort. Reports indicate that Messi was substituted due to fatigue, with later clarification suggesting the decision was precautionary rather than the result of a serious injury.
Emiliano Martínez is reported to be dealing with a finger injury, while Romero and Montiel are also being closely assessed by the national team’s medical and technical staff. Despite these concerns, none of the players mentioned have been ruled out of World Cup contention at this stage.
The accumulation of fitness issues across multiple defensive positions is of particular relevance to Argentina’s preparation, as squad stability and availability are critical during the final phase before a major international tournament. The coaching staff is continuing to monitor each case individually as part of the final squad evaluation process.
Injury and Fitness Status Overview
| Player | Position | Issue Reported | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcos Acuña | Defender | Right hamstring problem | Substituted during match; severity not officially confirmed |
| Emiliano Martínez | Goalkeeper | Finger injury | Under observation |
| Cristian Romero | Defender | Fitness concerns | Being monitored |
| Gonzalo Montiel | Defender | Fitness concerns | Under assessment |
| Lionel Messi | Forward | Fatigue-related discomfort | Substituted as a precaution; not considered serious |
With the World Cup squad announcement imminent, Argentina’s technical staff face the task of assessing player availability alongside fitness risks. The situation remains under review as medical evaluations continue across the squad.