Pre-World Cup friendlies - Messi rested & Leao sent off

Argentina great Lionel Messi was rested as the defending champions beat Honduras in their penultimate warm-up game before the 2026 World Cup, while Portugal's Rafael Leao was sent off in a 2-1 win against Chile.

Elsewhere, Brazil, Germany and Belgium each won their final warm-up games prior to the start of the tournament, which is being held across Canada, Mexico and the US, on Thursday, 11 June.

Messi, who led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, has not played since being substituted with "muscle fatigue" in his left hamstring playing for Inter Miami on 24 May.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni had said Messi was "doing well" but chose not to use the 38-year-old against Honduras in Texas.

Scaloni's side still dominated the match as Lautaro Martinez scored a penalty and Giuliano Simeone added their second in a 2-0 win before the team's final warm-up game against Iceland on 9 June.

Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who like Messi is set to play at a sixth World Cup, played the first half of his side's 2-1 win against Chile.

Portugal forward Leao was sent off, along with Chile's Ivan Roman, following a mass scuffle just before the break.

Leao is set to miss his side's friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday if given a one-match ban but could miss his country's opening two World Cup games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan, if given a three-match suspension.

Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes provided the goals for Portugal before Lucas Cepeda scored in added time for Chile.

Germany earned a 2-1 victory against World Cup co-hosts United States in the final warm-up game for both teams.

Kai Havertz had an early goal for Germany cancelled out by Antonee Robinson's stunning volley before Leroy Sane's winner for Julian Nagelsmann's side.

"I'm happy with the performance of everyone," said US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who believed his side were "unlucky" to lose.

"We played one of the most important teams in the world. I think we need to be happy with that."

The US will start their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June, while Germany, who have won nine games in a row, begin with a game against Curacao on 14 June.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side's win against the US had been a "perfect test for us, both in terms of the weather and the opponent".

Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in the final warm-up game for both countries, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scoring early on for the winners.

Mostafa Zico equalised for Egypt but Raphinha set up Endrick to win it for the South American side, who had to take defender Wesley off after 17 minutes.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, who recovered from a "minor muscle injury" to play for Liverpool towards the end of the season, came on for the second half against Brazil.

"Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches," said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Egypt's opening game of the World Cup on Monday, 15 June will be against Belgium, who thrashed Tunisia 5-0.

Leandro Trossard, Charles de Ketelaere, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin each scored against a Tunisia side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Ismael Gharbi after 62 minutes.

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia brought Romelu Lukaku on after 66 minutes as he manages the striker's return to action.

"It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things," said Garcia, whose side were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in their previous game.