Argentina is not rushing him to make up his mind.
According to coach Lionel Scaloni, Lionel Messi has not yet determined if he will compete for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentine squad is poised to defend its championship in North America, following Messi’s triumphant lifting of football’s most desired trophy after an exhilarating 2022 final encounter with France.
The 38-year-old athlete, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States, is expected to be a prominent figure in the enlarged 48-team competition, where Argentina is slated to participate in two group stage matches in Arlington, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, and an additional one in Kansas City.
Nevertheless, Messi’s involvement in what would mark his sixth World Cup appearance remains unclear.
When questioned about Messi’s potential play in the event, Scaloni responded: “That inquiry is more directed at him [Messi].”
“Regarding my view, you are already aware of my position. I will exert every effort to guarantee his presence. I genuinely think that, for the benefit of the sport, his attendance is essential. The ultimate decision does not rest with me. It depends on him, his psychological state, and his physical readiness.”
“It is challenging because not solely Argentinians wish to see him; indeed, the entire world desires his presence.”
“I desire his presence. The final choice rests with him. He has rightfully earned the prerogative to make that determination calmly. We are not hurrying the matter. We understand that whatever he concludes will be most advantageous for both the squad and himself. Our hope is for his inclusion.”
Messi holds the distinction of being Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer with 115 goals, in addition to possessing the record for the highest number of international appearances (196). He continues to serve as captain for La Albiceleste and finished as the leading scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification, netting eight times.
Consequently, his impact on the reigning world champions is indisputable. Nevertheless, should he opt not to participate in the World Cup, Argentina would still possess an abundance of offensive prowess, including players such as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez within their squad.
Martinez, currently sidelined due to injury, was omitted from Argentina’s lineup for the friendly matches against Mauritania and Zambia during a recent international window. This period was originally planned to feature a clash with European champions Spain on Friday in the Finalissima held in Qatar. However, that match was called off because of the ongoing Middle East conflict, after Argentina declined various suggestions from UEFA for substitute dates and locations.
Although Messi’s presence at the World Cup is unconfirmed, Scaloni disclosed that he will take part in both contests at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
“Messi is set to play in both fixtures, but we will observe if his participation will be from the commencement,” Scaloni further stated.
“For an Argentinian, having two additional matches on home ground presents a wonderful chance to witness him [Messi] on the field, to relish the experience we cherish when he is present.”
Argentina’s Fixture List: Which Opponents Will Messi Encounter in His Probable Last World Cup?
For the World Cup, Argentina was allocated to Group J, competing with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Scaloni’s squad will commence their championship defense opposing Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 16.
Subsequently, they will confront Austria at AT&T Stadium six days afterward, prior to re-entering the identical location to meet Jordan in their concluding group stage game.
Argentina is anticipated to secure victory in their group. If they achieve this, they will then encounter the second-place team from Group H in the round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, thereby providing Messi a return to a location merely over 20 miles from his club football base.
Group H comprises Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, with the latter having defeated Argentina 2-1 in the initial match of the ultimately victorious 2022 campaign for Messi and his teammates.
As Spain and Uruguay are considered the frontrunners to conclude in the top two positions of that group, a challenging confrontation in the inaugural knockout stage match probably awaits Argentina.