Lionel Messi made his return from a hamstring injury June 9, coming off the bench to score in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Iceland during their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 38-year-old was recovering from muscle fatigue sustained while playing for Inter Miami in late May [1, 2, 3, 4].
The 2026 World Cup will begin June 11, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico [1, 2, 4]. Argentina's first group stage match is scheduled for June 16 against Algeria [1, 2, 3, 4].
Off the field, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the U.S. on June 9 despite having proper visa documents, was detained for hours, and deported to Turkey, leading to his removal from FIFA's referee list for this World Cup [1, 2, 4]. Artan expressed deep disappointment, saying, "I am very, very disappointed. I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup" [1].
Meanwhile in Mexico City, thousands of teachers protested June 9, blocking an avenue near the Estadio Azteca and threatening to disrupt the World Cup opening match two days later [1, 2, 4]. Police prevented protesters from reaching the stadium. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum called the protests a "provocation," adding, "As if to say, ‘Look at how bad the situation is in Mexico’" [1]. She assured that the opening match is guaranteed to proceed [1, 2, 4].
Messi's return and scoring in the warm-up boosts Argentina ahead of their World Cup opener. The tournament officially starts June 11 across the three host countries [1, 2, 4]. Argentina will face Algeria June 16 in their first match [1, 2, 3, 4].
