“Messi can continue to play, reveals Argentina coach.”

Lionel Messi continues to defy time and expectations, with his future in the Argentina National Team left open by the coach, Lionel Scaloni. In strong and revealing statements, Scaloni asserted that the iconic Argentine captain “will continue to play as long as he wants,” emphasizing that the football genius remains as competitive and determined as ever.

The relationship between Messi and Argentina has been a rollercoaster over the years. Often criticized for not meeting expectations, the star even announced his retirement from international duty twice before Scaloni took charge. After the disappointment at the 2018 World Cup, the current coach called him to try to convince him to return, receiving the response: “You guys are crazy.” However, seeing a new young and promising team emerging, Messi ultimately accepted the challenge once again.

Argentina’s triumph in the 2021 Copa América was a turning point for Messi, who initially announced that the 2022 Qatar World Cup would be his last international tournament. The victory in 2022 and the success in the 2024 Copa América extended his career, and although he has never officially confirmed his participation in this summer’s World Cup, his inclusion in the squad was expected—and it may not be the last.

Scaloni has no doubts: “He will continue to play as long as he wants, because we already know what he is capable of. It is no surprise that he is in his sixth World Cup. What is surprising is that he has only won four titles with the national team.” The coach added: “He hasn’t changed much; he remains the same, competitive, with the same desire. I don’t believe that will change. He is the example we all want for a football player. It’s not just about what you win or how you play, but how you face everything, and that is what we try to pass on to the younger ones. They are starting to understand.”

The influence of Messi in Argentina is so profound that even the plane transporting the team to the United States, where the World Cup will take place, is decorated in the national team’s colors and bears the number 10, the symbol of the star player. Scaloni acknowledges that all important decisions go through Messi: “It is pointless to say that I am the one who decides everything. In his case, and I think he deserves it, I always talk to him, ask how he is doing, and we try to reach an agreement. That’s how it has to be because he has faced many difficulties, but he brings us so much…”

Despite Messi recovering from a muscle injury sustained in his last game for Inter Miami before the World Cup, Scaloni remains optimistic, though realistic: “I imagine that all the teams are concerned about the start of the World Cup, ensuring that the players arrive in the best possible shape. It’s difficult to be at 100%, but we are working well.” However, the coach made it clear that Messi himself will decide his recovery pace.

The relationship between Scaloni and Messi is special, built on a foundation of respect and communication that none of the previous Argentina coaches have managed to match. They are two former teammates who understand each other and, together, can extend the golden era of Argentine football. With Messi dictating the rules of his legacy, the Argentina National Team is preparing for another epic chapter, with the star ready to shine for as long as he wishes.

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