Messi Yet To Decide On Argentina World Cup Defence, Coach Lionel Scaloni Says

Uncertainty surrounds whether Lionel Messi will lead Argentina at this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026, with the captain still weighing up his fitness and motivation ahead of the tournament.

Messi, 38, is in the squad for friendlies against Mauritania on 27 March and Zambia on April 1. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the forward will feature in both matches but admitted a final decision on the World Cup remains in Messi’s hands.

Argentina will start their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on 17 June.

“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 in a press conference when asked if Messi would feature at the World Cup.

“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.

“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.”

Messi has played in five World Cups and lifted the trophy in 2022. He also holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament, with 26.

Last October, the Inter Miami CF forward admitted his participation in this year’s tournament was far from certain.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” said Messi.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there.

“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 per cent, if I can be useful and then make a decision.

“I’m really eager because it’s the 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.”