Messi rested and Leao sent off ahead of 2026 World Cup warm-ups

Argentina defeated Honduras while Portugal beat Chile with Rafael Leao dismissed after a brawl.

Argentina's preparation Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain and 2022 World Cup winner, was left out of the squad as his team secured a 2-0 victory over Honduras in their second-to-last pre-World Cup friendly. Messi, 38, has not featured since being withdrawn due to left hamstring muscle fatigue during an Inter Miami match on 24 May. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed the player's condition was stable but opted against including him against Honduras in Texas. Despite Messi's absence, Scaloni's team controlled the game, with Lautaro Martinez converting a penalty and Giuliano Simeone adding a second goal before their final warm-up against Iceland on 9 June. ## Portugal's clash and red card Portugal completed a 2-1 triumph over Chile, but the match was overshadowed by a late brawl that saw Rafael Leao and Chile's Ivan Roman both dismissed just before halftime. Cristiano Ronaldo, another veteran set to appear at his sixth World Cup, featured in the opening half for Portugal. Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes found the net for the Portuguese, while Lucas Cepeda pulled one back for Chile in stoppage time. Leao risks a one-match suspension for Wednesday's friendly against Nigeria, which could extend to three games if a longer ban is imposed, potentially forcing him to miss the tournament opener against DR Congo and a second group-stage fixture against Uzbekistan. ## Germany edges United States Germany edged the United States 2-1 in a final warm-up meeting between the sides ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Kai Havertz's early strike was canceled out by Antonee Robinson's acrobatic volley, before Leroy Sane sealed the win for Julian Nagelsmann's side. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino labeled his team 'unlucky' despite the defeat, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. He stated the performance against Germany offered valuable experience ahead of their tournament opener against Paraguay on 12 June. Germany, on a nine-game winning streak, will begin their campaign against Curacao on 14 June, with Nagelsmann calling the match a 'perfect test for us, both in terms of the weather and the opponent'. ## Brazil survives Egypt test Brazil claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final warm-up, with Bruno Guimaraes striking early for Newcastle United. Mostafa Zico equalized for Egypt before Raphinha assisted Endrick to seal the win for the South Americans. Brazilian defender Wesley was forced off after 17 minutes due to injury. Egypt's Mohamed Salah, who recovered from a 'minor muscle injury' and played for Liverpool late in the season, entered the game at halftime. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan confirmed Salah had undergone rehabilitation with both Liverpool and the national team and was match-ready ahead of their World Cup opener against Belgium on 15 June. ## Belgium dominates Tunisia in final tune-up Belgium concluded their preparations with a commanding 5-0 win over Tunisia, featuring a 10-man Tunisia side after Ismael Gharbi's dismissal in the 62nd minute. Leandro Trossard, Charles de Ketelaere, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio, and Nicolas Raskin all scored for Belgium. Rudi Garcia introduced Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute as part of his plan for the striker's return to action. Garcia reflected on the game as strong preparation for the World Cup, stating 'It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things.' Belgium had suffered a 2-0 loss to Croatia in their previous match.