Lionel Messi confirms World Cup participation to Argentina's coaching staff

Messi was coy about his World Cup 2026 participation.

Lionel Messi, who earlier said he would make a final decision based on how his body felt leading up to the tournament, had not yet formally confirmed his participation. Meanwhile, Argentina has intensified preparations to defend their title at the 2026 World Cup.

Roberto Ayala, Argentina’s assistant coach, did, however, give a strong hint that Messi will travel to North America to lead the current winners.

When asked if Leo would be available for the forthcoming World Cup showcase, Ayala responded, “For us, there was never any doubt,” in a recent interview with Clank! podcast.

Lionel Messi set to be named in Argentina’s final World Cup squad

Although the official La Albiceleste roster for North America is yet unknown, Ayala provided insight into Lionel Scaloni’s peculiar selection procedure. He disclosed that before Scaloni makes the final cuts, each member of the coaching staff creates and presents their own roster.

Ayala went on to say that the staff has about 80% of the squad nailed down, even though the final roster isn’t official. The final list must be submitted by June 1st, and Scaloni is anticipated to make the announcement in the next few days. Messi will surely be the star of the 26-man lineup.

It wasn’t just Ayala who recently alluded to Messi’s involvement. Rodrigo De Paul, an international teammate and midfielder for Inter Miami, had previously given similar hints about the captain’s mentality.

However, in past interviews, Lionel Messi has always been cryptic regarding his participation in the World Cup 2026. Basically, he didn’t want to give fans hope.

However, it’s likely that he will travel with the national team to North America and will be eyeing a consecutive World Cup.

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