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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.

Source Links

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

"
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."
— Yahoo Sports

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