Messi and Neymar fitness dominate World Cup build-up as warm-ups wrap up

Main stories

Lionel Messi's fitness is the dominant storyline as Argentina close in on the tournament. The 38-year-old has been managing left-hamstring fatigue since picking up the issue with Inter Miami on 26 May, but head coach Lionel Scaloni indicated he is progressing and could feature in Saturday's warm-up against Honduras at Kyle Field in Texas.

Brazil, meanwhile, are sweating on Neymar. The forward is due to undergo an MRI scan on Monday and is, for now, considered doubtful for Brazil's group-stage opener against Morocco on 13 June, according to reporting from the tournament build-up.

The final round of warm-up matches also delivered results, with Germany edging the USA 2-1 in Chicago and Belgium routing Tunisia 5-0. England were unconvincing but beat New Zealand 1-0 through a Harry Kane goal, Scotland thumped Bolivia 4-0 and Brazil saw off Egypt 2-1.

Transfer and squad notes

Germany have already had to adjust their 26-man squad, with 17-year-old Bayern forward Lennart Karl withdrawing after a training injury and Assan Ouédraogo called up in his place on 5 June. Sweden made an earlier change, replacing the injured Emil Holm with Herman Johansson.

Injury concerns are mounting elsewhere too. The United States were without centre-back Chris Richards, sidelined by an ankle problem, for their meeting with Germany after Mauricio Pochettino ruled him out, while Paraguay's Julio Enciso picked up a knock in a friendly against Nicaragua on 5 June.

What it means for the league

The closing days of preparation have been defined less by tactics than by treatment tables, with the availability of marquee names such as Messi and Neymar set to shape expectations once the action begins. Warm-up form offers only a partial guide, but Germany and Belgium head into the tournament with momentum.

The 48-team event kicks off on 11 June, with hosts Mexico opening in Mexico City, and runs to 19 July across 16 cities split between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Final 26-player squads were lodged with FIFA at the start of the month, leaving coaches only narrow scope for further changes from here.