Lionel Scaloni casts doubt on Lionel Messi's FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes as Argentina prepare to play Mauritania and Zambia - 'It's difficult'
Published 27/03/2026 at 18:09 GMT
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Lionel Scaloni has suggested that Lionel Messi could still decide to not compete at this summer's FIFA World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico, despite previously stating he would love to be part of Argentina's squad. Messi played a massive role in his national team's third World Cup triumph four years ago in Qatar. Argentina are in Group J this summer, alongside Algeria, Jordan and Austria.
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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni insists he still does not know if Lionel Messi will compete at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner guided Argentina to their third World Cup triumph four years ago in Qatar, but at 38-years-old, the forward is undeniably in the twilight of his career.
Messi has been named in Scaloni’s squad for Argentina’s friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, and he looks set to feature in both fixtures.
Scaloni says he wants Messi to be part of his squad, even if the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not made a final decision on his future yet.
"This is a question more for him, but as far as I'm concerned, you already know what I think. I will do everything I can to make sure he is there," Scaloni said after being asked about Messi’s chances of appearing in Canada, the USA and Mexico this summer.
"I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it's not me who decides. It's up to him how he feels in his mind and his physical condition.
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"It's difficult because it's not just Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him.
"And then we have the dilemma as his coaches when he's there, if he's able to play the whole game or if he's not.
"I want him to be there, but he's the one who decides. I'm not going to stand here and say, 'Let's see if I pick him or not.'
"He has earned the right to decide calmly. We are not in a rush. We know that whatever he decides will be the best thing for both him and the team. We hope he'll be there, but I can't say much more."
Argentina will get their World Cup campaign underway on June 17 when they face Algeria in Group J.
They will then go head-to-head with Austria and Jordan in their final two group games.
Back in October, Messi said he would love to defend his World Cup crown this summer.
"It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to," he said.
"I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there.
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"I'm going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
"I'm really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it's always a dream to play with the national team."
Meanwhile, Inter Miami have announced that they will name a stand at the newly built Nu Stadium after Lionel Messi.
The FIFA World Cup winner joined the Major League Soccer side from UEFA Champions League holders PSG in July 2023.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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