Lionel Messi set off alarms in Argentina as soon as once more after refusing to substantiate his participation within the 2026 World Cup, which is now lower than a yr away. Because the staff nears the top of CONMEBOL qualifying, head coach Lionel Scaloni supplied an vital replace on Messi’s standing for the match.
Argentina has dominated South American qualifying, changing into the primary staff from the area to safe its place on the World Cup. La Albiceleste clinched first with 38 factors, 10 away from second-place Brazil. Following the triumphs of the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, Argentina has managed to keep up the core of a course of that has outlined its latest golden period.
At Monday’s press convention forward of the match in opposition to Ecuador, Scaloni was requested concerning the roster for 2026: “The proportion of the listing isn’t one thing I can inform you as a result of, initially, I don’t have it clear but. We’re nonetheless distant. A number of issues can occur. We’ve a core group — everybody is aware of that. Quite a lot of gamers that’s all the time the identical and gained’t change a lot from there. As soon as we all know what number of gamers may be on the World Cup roster, we’ll make choices.”
The coach additionally addressed Messi’s future, making a candid admission about their conversations. “As for Leo, I haven’t spoken concerning the World Cup. I do know what he stated. I do know he’s going to take this time calmly, and he deserves that. We have to depart him at peace,” Scaloni admitted.
Lionel Scaloni head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 and runs by means of July 19, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. Messi will flip 39 throughout the match (his birthday falls on June 24). After a 2025 season disrupted by accidents, Scaloni is raring for the Argentine legend to be a part of the squad, however nonetheless hesitant to ensure his presence with lower than a yr to go.
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What did Lionel Messi say?
Messi starred in what might be his ultimate look in CONMEBOL qualifying, scoring twice in opposition to Venezuela on an emotional night time the place he was noticed crying throughout warmups. His health had been a priority following a latest hamstring harm with Inter Miami, however he managed to play the complete 90 minutes with out points.
Requested afterward if his participation within the 2026 World Cup is definite, Messi was blunt: “No, I stated it in 2022, after we grew to become champions. Given my age, essentially the most logical factor is that I gained’t make it. However we’re hopeful.”
He went on to clarify the elements in his resolution. “This yr we had plenty of video games. Now I got here again from an harm and was in a position to play three straight matches,” he stated. “Proper now, it’s about going day-to-day, making an attempt to really feel good — and above all, being trustworthy with myself. After I really feel good, I get pleasure from it. And after I don’t, I undergo and like to not be on the market,” he added.
