Scaloni leaves door open for Messi at 2026 World Cup: “The decision is his.”
Scaloni leaves door open for Messi at 2026 World Cup: “The decision is his. ” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made it clear Friday that Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain — and entirely up to the player. Speaking ahead of Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia, Scaloni addressed the question directly but avoided any pressure.
“I want him to be there,” Scaloni said. “But the decision is his. Hopefully, yes.
” The message was consistent and deliberate. Messi, who will be 38 during the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has not committed to playing in what would be his sixth World Cup. Scaloni confirmed that the forward will feature in the current international window, but drew a clear line between the present and what comes next.
A decision shaped by legacy and condition Messi has little left to prove. After leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, he secured the defining achievement of his career. Since then, every international appearance has carried a different weight — less about validation, more about choice.
That context frames Scaloni’s approach. Rather than building expectation, the Argentina staff is allowing space. Scaloni has taken a consistent stance since 2025: Messi has earned the right to decide his own timeline, without external pressure from the federation or coaching staff.