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Lionel Scaloni outlines what is required for Lionel Messi to feature for Argentina at 2026 World Cup.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has talked about what it would take to get Lionel Messi to the 2026 World Cup after his country wins the title in 2022.
After leading Argentina to the World Cup title three months ago, head coach Scaloni is already being questioned about the 2026 competition, when the Albiceleste will defend their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was specifically asked if a specific seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who was already in the latter stages of his career, would be eligible to participate in the competition.
While speaking at a Gala in Italy, via ESPN Colombia, Scaloni was asked about Messi’s future with Argentina and if he could make one last World Cup: “Being in the next World Cup will be Leo’s decision; if his body can take it for me, he will be there.”
He further explained just how much it meant to lift the esteemed prize: “Behind our title, there was a communion of intentions between the fans, the staff and the players, something emotional that made sense of belonging for this unique shirt even stronger.
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“Then, having a player like Messi was, and is, obviously, an advantage. As a former teammate, training him is beautiful. I see how the other players look at him and follow him. He’s the best.”
Many believed that Messi’s final opportunity to win the World Cup would be in the 2022 competition.
Yet at age 35, he realized the prophecy and played a key role in helping his country win the tournament for the first time since 1986, adding the greatest trophy in football to his already impressive trophy cabinet and solidifying his place in history.
For most others, that would have been the ideal conclusion and an even greater chance to complete a glittering international career, but Messi has since expressed his intention to continue playing for Argentina as the reigning champion. His dedication to his nation looks unwavering, despite ongoing rumours about his Paris Saint-Germain future. Messi will always have a place in the national team system, according to Scaloni.
Messi must make a decision regarding his future at the club level, where he continues to prove to be important for PSG, before even considering the 2026 World Cup.