Lionel Messi might play no part in Argentina’s adventure at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Inter Miami forward yet to make a decision.
Argentina will be defending the World Cup title, with Messi expected to lead the team. However, national team coach Lionel Scaloni insists his captain is yet to decide with just 81 days to go.
“That’s a question more for him [Messi],” Scaloni said when asked if Messi, 38, will play in the tournament that will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Messi won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2022 World Cup and is his country’s all-time leading scorer with 115 goals.
Lionel Scaloni speaks to the media during a press conference at Lionel Messi training facility. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand,” Scaloni said. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure he’s there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition.”
“It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him,” he said.
“I want him to be there. It’s up to him to decide. He’s earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We’re in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there.”
Scaloni did confirm that Messi will feature against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (March 31) in this international window. Both international friendlies will be staged at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium.
“Messi will play both games but we will see if he will do so from the start,” he said.
Argentina had been due to play against Spain in the Finalissima in Qatar on March 27, but the game was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East.
“To have two more games on home soil, for an Argentinian, it is a beautiful opportunity to see him [Messi] on the pitch, to enjoy what we enjoy when he is here,” Scaloni added.
Argentina begin their World Cup title defence on June 16 against Algeria, before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
