Lionel Messi was substituted during Argentina's opening fixture at FIFA World Cup 2026, raising immediate questions about the fitness of the tournament's most closely watched player.

The forward did not complete the full 90 minutes against Austria, with the Argentina coaching staff opting to withdraw him before the final whistle. No official explanation for the substitution had been provided at the time of reporting.

Messi's availability for Argentina's subsequent matches at the tournament is now under scrutiny, with supporters and medical staff alike monitoring the situation closely.