Lionel Messi, the icon of Argentine football and a living legend of the sport, finds himself at a crucial crossroads in his career. The question on everyone’s mind is: will he compete in the 2026 World Cup? Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentine national team, has brought this uncertainty to light, revealing that Messi has not yet decided whether he will be part of the team that will defend the title won in 2022. As Argentina prepares for two friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, the question of the Argentine star’s presence in the world’s biggest international tournament continues to linger.
Messi, who is now 38 years old, has been called up for the games scheduled for March 27 and April 1. Scaloni confirmed Messi’s attendance at the matches, but the big question remains regarding his participation in the World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 17, where Argentina will face Algeria in Kansas City. Scaloni did not hold back in addressing the situation during a press conference: “This is more of a question for him, but as for me, you already know what I think. I will do everything I can to ensure he is there.”
The coach expressed a collective wish: “I believe he should be present, for the good of football. But it’s not up to me to decide. It depends on him, on how he feels mentally and physically.” The pressure comes not only from Argentina, but from all football fans eager to see Messi in action again. “We have the dilemma, as coaches, of knowing if he can play the full 90 minutes or not. I want him to be there, but the decision rests with him.”
Messi, who has already participated in five World Cups and holds the record for 26 appearances in the tournament, previously admitted that his participation is not guaranteed. “It’s something extraordinary to be at a World Cup and I would love to,” he said. “I want to be well and be an important part in helping my team, if I am there.” The star revealed that he will assess his condition day by day, especially when he starts pre-season with Inter Miami. “I am looking forward to it because it’s a World Cup. We come from a victory and defending the title again is a dream.”
Interestingly, the discussion about Messi’s participation in the World Cup coincided with a significant event for Inter Miami: the inauguration of the Leo Messi Stand at Nu Stadium. The MLS club stated in a press release: “Recognizing someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes, it’s about realizing that we are witnessing something unique.” Thus, the dedication of the new stand to the best player in history underscores not only his importance to the club, but also the anticipation surrounding his decision regarding the World Cup.
Football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting news about Messi’s future with the national team. With the World Cup rapidly approaching, uncertainty about his presence remains one of the most intriguing stories in sports. What Messi decides will not only be a defining moment for him but also for Argentina and global football. The Messi saga continues, and everyone is ready to see what the future holds for this football giant.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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