Lionel Scaloni remains uncertain about Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, stating he hasn’t discussed it with the player. Messi hinted at potentially sitting out the tournament, but Scaloni emphasizes he has time to decide. Argentina has already qualified, and Messi will miss the Ecuador match to focus on MLS fitness. Scaloni acknowledges the uncertainty and respects Messi’s decision-making process, highlighting his past achievements, including winning the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup and leading Argentina to consecutive Copa America titles.
Lionel Messi's future participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, with Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, admitting he hasn't yet discussed the matter with the legendary forward. Messi himself recently hinted at the possibility of sitting out the tournament, leaving fans and pundits alike eager for clarity. However, Scaloni has downplayed the claims, emphasizing that Messi has ample time to reach a decision, ensuring his choice aligns perfectly with his physical condition and career aspirations.
Argentina has already secured its place in the next World Cup, showcasing their dominance in the South American qualifying group by topping the table with one game to spare. This achievement provides a stable foundation for the team's future planning, allowing Scaloni to focus on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The early qualification also offers Messi the space and time he needs to make a carefully considered choice regarding his participation.
In what he described as his final competitive home match for Argentina, Messi delivered a stellar performance against Venezuela, scoring twice in a convincing 3-0 victory. He narrowly missed out on a hat-trick due to an offside call, but his overall contribution underscored his enduring importance to the national team. The match was an emotional occasion, with fans expressing their gratitude for Messi's years of service and hoping to see him continue representing Argentina on the world stage.
Messi currently leads the scoring charts in South America's World Cup qualifiers, having netted an impressive eight goals. However, he will not be available for Argentina's final qualifying match against Ecuador, as he prioritizes maintaining his fitness for the remainder of the MLS season. This decision highlights Messi's commitment to managing his workload effectively, ensuring he remains in peak condition for both club and country.
Following the game against Venezuela, Messi offered a cryptic response when asked about his potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup, simply stating, "We'll see." Scaloni remains optimistic that his captain will choose to be part of the squad, recognizing the invaluable experience and leadership Messi brings to the team. Scaloni acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Messi's decision. "I don't think it's right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don't know," Scaloni explained, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football and the numerous factors that could influence Messi's final choice.
Scaloni also emphasized the importance of patience, acknowledging that Messi will take his time before making a final decision. "Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players; everyone knows that. From there, when we know how many spots we'll have, we'll make decisions," Scaloni added, highlighting the need for flexibility in squad planning. He further stated, "As for Leo, I haven't talked to him about it. I only know what he said publicly, and he's going to take his time with this decision," reinforcing the respect he has for Messi's autonomy and the importance of allowing him to make the decision that is best for him.
Messi's track record in major tournaments speaks for itself. He won the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup, a testament to his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, and played a pivotal role in Argentina's triumph. He finished the tournament with the joint-most goal involvements (10 – seven goals, three assists), demonstrating his ability to both score and create opportunities for his teammates. His contributions were essential to Argentina's success, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
In addition to his World Cup heroics, Messi has also led Argentina to back-to-back Copa America titles, winning in 2021 and 2024. These victories have cemented his legacy as a national icon, proving his ability to deliver success for Argentina on multiple occasions. His leadership and skill have inspired a generation of players and fans, creating a sense of national pride and unity. The prospect of Messi leading Argentina in another World Cup is a tantalizing one, fueling the hopes and dreams of supporters around the world. It remains to be seen whether Messi will grace the 2026 World Cup with his presence, but the anticipation and speculation surrounding his decision will undoubtedly continue to build in the months ahead.
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