Lionel Scaloni on Messi’s participation in 2026 World Cup: Leave him alone

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni doesn’t want to pressurize Messi regarding his 2026 FIFA World Cup participation. After winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi had said that this would be his last World Cup for the national team.

However, La Pulga continued playing for La Albiceleste, stating he wanted to be part of the champion team. After Argentina defeated arch-rivals Brazil by 4-1 to confirm their World Cup 2026 berth without the services of injured Messi, the million-dollar question was once again put in front of Scaloni.

“We will see what happens, there’s plenty of time,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “We must go one game a time otherwise [we] will be speaking about the same thing the rest of the year and we need to leave him alone, we will see. He will decide it whenever he wants, let’s not drive him crazy with this.”

Earlier, Argentina registered a 1-0 win against Uruguay without Messi in the team.

Forward Julian Alvarez said they might have scored more if Messi had been part of the playing XI.

“With Messi we might have scored two or three more goals,” said striker Julián Álvarez, who scored one goal against Brazil.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said they are at their best when Messi is playing for them.

“The best of our teams is always when the No. 10 is playing,” De Paul said, “because he is the greatest of all time.”

Argentina leads the South American qualifiers with 31 points after 10 wins in 14 matches and have confirmed their spot for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted next year by the United States, Canada and Mexico.