Lionel Messi to miss FIFA World Cup 2026? Lionel Scaloni reveals Argentine star is undecided
(Courtesy : Getty)
Messi won the World Cup in 2022.
Lionel Messi’s participation in the World Cup this summer is still undecided, according to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
The current world champions, led by Lionel Messi, who lifted the trophy four years ago in Qatar, are one of the fans’ favourites this time around too.
Lionel Messi, who is already 38 years old, is still a talisman for the national team and continues to play brilliantly for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.
Scaloni sheds light on Lionel Messi’s participation at 2026 World Cup in USA
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s involvement in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign has been a major topic of discussion, with Scaloni optimistic but uncertain.
He said: “It is a question for him. I don’t have to answer. You already know what I think. I want him to be there, but he is the one who decides. He has earned the right to be able to decide with peace of mind. We are in no hurry. Let’s hope he says yes.”
Argentina’s last two friendlies before the tournament are against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera. Messi was included in the squad for these matches.
Back in October, Messi had said he would listen to his body before making a decision on whether he’ll be part of his country’s title defence.
He told NBC News: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.
“And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.”
Argentina looking to go back-to-back
Argentina are attempting to make history by being only the third side to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups in history after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
They are among the favourites to win, especially considering their current winning streak. They are drawn in Group J, alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Messi’s search for his first international trophy came to an end in 2021 when he assisted his team in winning the Copa America. Since then, he has won another Copa America championship and the FIFA World Cup to support that.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
He is yet to decide on it.
How many FIFA World Cups have Argentina won?
Three World Cups.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.