Lionel Scaloni states Lionel Messi is uncertain about participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has not yet made a decision regarding his participation in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with only 81 days remaining until Argentina begins their title defense, as stated by national team coach Lionel Scaloni.
“That’s a question more for him [Messi],” Scaloni remarked when inquired about whether Messi, 38, will take part in the tournament set to occur in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Messi received the Player of the Tournament accolade at the 2022 World Cup and is the all-time leading scorer for his nation with 115 goals.
“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand,” Scaloni expressed. “I will do everything possible to ensure he is present. I believe that, for the good of football, he must be there. It is not my decision to make. It depends on him, his mindset, and his physical condition.”
“It’s challenging because it is not only the Argentinians who wish to see him; everyone wants to see him,” he added.
“I want him to be there. The choice is his to make. He has earned the right to make that decision calmly. We are not in a hurry about it. We understand that whatever he decides will be best for both the team and himself. We hope he will be present.”
Scaloni confirmed that Messi will participate in matches against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (March 31) during this international window. Both friendlies will take place at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium.
“Messi will play in both matches, but we will see if he starts,” he stated.
Argentina was scheduled to compete against Spain in the Finalissima in Qatar on March 27, but the match was canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Having two additional games on home soil is a wonderful opportunity for an Argentinian to see him [Messi] on the field and to enjoy what we experience when he is here,” Scaloni noted.
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Messi is among 16 World Cup champions included in Scaloni’s 30-man roster. Uncapped defenders TomΓ‘s Palacios and Gabriel Rojas, along with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who made his senior debut in November, are also part of the squad.
“In principle, these are the players,” Scaloni stated. “However, we are open to considering players who have recently joined us and whom we may have been monitoring over the past few months. It will all depend on their arrival, injury status, and form; it is crucial that they are in good condition in every aspect, or as close to their full potential as possible.”
“We have already communicated this to them and clarified it in our first meeting on Monday. They understand what is at stake. We are eternally grateful to those who have contributed to our victories, but we have another World Cup to prepare for, and we need players who are fit and capable, which is what we will be looking for when finalizing the squad.”
Argentina will commence their World Cup title defense on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan in Group J.
