Argentina: Messi yet to decide on playing in 2026 World Cup, says Scaloni
Argentina are in no rush for him to decide.
Lionel Messi has not made a decision on whether he will play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, according to coach Lionel Scaloni.
Argentina are set to defend their title in North America, with Messi having finally lifted the most coveted prize in world football after a thrilling final with France in 2022.
The 38-year-old plays his football in the United States with Inter Miami and would undoubtedly be one of the faces of the expanded 48-team tournament, in which Argentina will play two group games in Arlington, Texas at the home of the Dallas Cowboys and another in Kansas City.
But Messi’s participation in what would be his sixth World Cup is uncertain.
Asked about Messi playing in the tournament, Scaloni said: “That’s a question more for him [Messi].
“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand. 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.
“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.”
Messi is Argentina’s record goalscorer with 115 goals and also holds the record for most caps (196). He remains the captain for La Albiceleste and was the top scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with eight goals.
As such, his influence for the world champions cannot be questioned. However, if he were to decide against playing at the World Cup, Argentina would still have plenty of attacking talent at their disposal, with the likes of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in their ranks.
The injured Martinez was left out of Argentina’s squad for the friendlies with Mauritania and Zambia during an international break that was initially scheduled to see them take on European champions Spain on Friday in the Finalissima in Qatar. That fixture was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East, with Argentina rejecting several proposals from UEFA for alternative dates and venues.
While Messi’s place at the World Cup is not confirmed, Scaloni revealed he will feature in both games at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
“Messi will play both games but we will see if he will do so from the start,” Scaloni added.
“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.”
Argentina schedule: Who will Messi face in likely final World Cup?
Argentina were drawn in Group J for the World Cup alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Scaloni’s men begin their title defence against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 16.
They then take on Austria at AT&T Stadium six days later, before returning to the same venue to face Jordan in their final group match.
Argentina will be expected to win their group. Should they do so, then they will face the runner-up of Group H in the round of 32 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, allowing. Messi a homecoming at a venue just over 20 miles from where he plays his club football.
Group H features Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, who beat Argentina 2-1 in the first game of the ultimately triumphant 2022 campaign for Messi and Co.
With Spain and Uruguay the favourites to finish in the top two of that group, a testing encounter in the first knockout game will likely await Argentina.