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League: MLSSport: SoccerCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Messi prepares for World Cup as referee's dream ends

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 2:32 AM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Messi prepares for World Cup as referee's dream ends
Summary

Lionel Messi is set to appear for Argentina in a friendly against Iceland as the team prepares for the World Cup. Messi, recovering from a hamstring injury, could make his return after not participating in earlier warm-up matches. Meanwhile, Somali referee Omar Artan's World Cup aspirations ended when he was denied entry to the U.S. and removed from FIFA's refereeing list due to border issues. Social unrest is also a concern in Mexico City ahead of the opening match on Thursday.

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Messi aims to regain fitness for Argentina ahead of their first match on June 16.
  • •Omar Artan missed the World Cup after being denied U.S. entry despite having proper documents.
  • •Protests in Mexico City could disrupt the World Cup opener on Thursday.
Latest Updates
  • 2:32 AMYahoo Sports — Messi set to return as Somali referee says World Cup dream over
What they're saying
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Lionel Messi was set to feature Tuesday as reigning champions Argentina played their final warm-up game for a World Cup overshadowed by off-field distractions, as the Somali referee refused entry to the United States said his dream was over."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."

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