Is Lionel Messi playing in World Cup? Here's what Argentina coach says

Lionel Messi’s World Cup decision will be up to him. The Argentine champion and two-time MLS MVP with Inter Miami has yet to formally commit to playing with Argentina again this summer, although he appears in promotional content for the World Cup this year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to appear in two friendlies with Argentina during this current FIFA international window, and his World Cup status was a topic of discussion.

Argentina will face Mauritania on March 27 and Zambia on March 31. Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi has “earned the right” to weigh his decision, adding there’s “no rush” on a choice. “That’s a question more for him,” Scaloni said during a press conference on March 26.

“As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand. I’ll do everything I can to make sure he’s there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there.

” “It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him,” he added. “I want him to be there. It’s up to him to decide.