Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni consistently engages in personal discussions with Inter Miami star Lionel Messi regarding his physical condition. Scaloni has made it clear that he does not wish to act arbitrarily when determining the role of the team’s key figure, affectionately known as ‘La Albiceleste’s talisman’.
As of now, Lionel Messi has not confirmed whether he will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though his name remains listed among the 26 players called up by the Argentina national team.
Speculation about Messi’s future in the world’s biggest football tournament continues to grow, particularly concerning his ability to compete at the highest level at the age of 38.
The legendary forward is projected to once again wear the captain’s armband and lead La Albiceleste in their mission to defend the World Cup title they secured in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina has been drawn into Group J for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.
In an interview with Diario Ole, Scaloni stated that the possibility of Messi appearing in his sixth World Cup should not come as a surprise.
According to him, the 38-year-old still possesses the same passion and dedication that have defined his entire career.
“He will play for as long as he wants to. We all know who Messi is, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him at his sixth World Cup,” said Lionel Scaloni.
Despite having already won nearly every major title available, including four international trophies with Argentina in recent years, Messi is said to have retained his hunger to continue competing at the top level.
Scaloni explained that this unrelenting competitive mentality is one of the key traits that enables the former Barcelona star to maintain his consistency on the pitch.
The 48-year-old coach even noted that Messi still shows dissatisfaction over minor details in games, a quality that he believes sets Messi apart from most professional players.
This drive for constant improvement has also been evident since Messi’s move to Inter Miami.
Even with his long list of achievements, the forward continues to push himself and his teammates to achieve the best possible outcomes.
“He remains the best because he always wants more and shows everyone that he always wants more,” Scaloni added.
As Argentina prepares for the expanded 2026 World Cup format, Scaloni also addressed questions about how Messi’s playing minutes will be managed.
He emphasised that all decisions concerning Messi’s physical condition and involvement are made through continuous communication between the coaching staff and the player.
According to Scaloni, Messi’s experience and quality continue to have a major impact on the team, even when he is not in peak physical form.
“Every decision we make is discussed with him. There’s no point in me sitting here and saying that I’m the one who decides. In his case, and I think rightly so, I will always speak with him, ask how he feels, and then we’ll see if we reach an agreement,” said the coach, who was born on 16 May 1978.
“I believe it must be that way, because even when he’s on the field struggling, he still gives us so much. There are moments when it’s actually better to have him there, even if he’s not at 100%, because of everything he contributes,” added the Argentina coach.
Currently, Argentina is fine-tuning its preparations through a series of friendly matches before beginning the quest to defend their world title.
After facing Honduras and Iceland in warm-up games, La Albiceleste will kick off their campaign against Algeria.
All eyes will once again be on Messi during the group stage, as fans around the world watch to see if he can lead his country to another historic triumph.
Indonesian volleyball legend Loudry Maspaitella has also joined in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former setter of the Indonesia men’s national volleyball team named six favourites to win the 2026 World Cup: Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil, Germany, and England.
“Since it’s still the early phase, those are my favourite teams to win the title,” Loudry told Tribunnews.
Currently serving as the Deputy Head of the National Team Board at PP PBVSI, Loudry also shared his favourite players for the upcoming global football spectacle.
The former Jakarta BNI46 player named three footballers he admires most, including Lionel Messi.
“My favourite players are Messi, Gavi, and Pedri,” Loudry Maspaitella said.
(Tribunnews.com/Giri)
