Messi and the 2026 World Cup: Scaloni awaits the decision of the Argentine legend

Messi and his participation in the 2026 World Cup: The decision is in his hands

With only 81 days until the start of the FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi’s participation remains uncertain. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has made it clear that the final decision rests solely with the Inter Miami captain. Scaloni, when asked if Messi, 38 years old, will be present at the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, responded that the question should be directed to the player himself. “That’s a question more for him [Messi],” Scaloni stated. Messi, who was awarded Player of the Tournament at the 2022 World Cup and is his country’s all-time top scorer with 115 goals, has not yet confirmed his participation.

“As for me, you already know my position. I will do everything possible for him to be there. I believe that, for the good of football, he has to be there. It’s not up to me to decide. It depends on him, his state of mind, his physical condition,” added the coach.
Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni also highlighted the importance of Messi’s presence for the fans: “It’s difficult because not only Argentinians want to see him, everyone wants to see him. I want him to be there. It’s up to him to decide. He has earned the right to make that decision calmly. We are not in a hurry for it. We know that whatever he decides will be the best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there.” The coach confirmed that Messi will participate in the friendlies against Mauritania (March 27) and Zambia (March 31). Both matches will be played at the La Bombonera stadium of Boca Juniors. “Messi will play both matches, but we will see if he will do so from the start,” he pointed out.

Lionel Messi has not yet announced whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup.Argentina was going to face Spain in the Finalissima in Qatar on March 27, but the match was canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East. “Having two more home games, for an Argentinian, is a beautiful opportunity to see him [Messi] on the field, to enjoy what we enjoy when he is here,” Scaloni commented.

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Messi is one of the 16 world champions included in Scaloni’s 30-player squad. Also on the list are inexperienced defenders Tomás Palacios and Gabriel Rojas, as well as Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who made his professional debut in November. “Initially, these are the players. But we are open to considering players who have recently joined us and those we have been following in recent months. Everything will depend on how they arrive, their form, and their injuries; it is important that they are in good shape in all aspects, or as close as possible to their maximum potential. We have already told them and made it clear in our first meeting on Monday. They are aware of what is at stake. We are eternally grateful to those who have helped us win, but we have another World Cup ahead and we need players who are fit and capable, and that is what we will look for when deciding on the squad,” concluded the coach. Argentina will begin the defense of their world title on June 16 against Algeria, before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.