JAKARTA - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has responded to the growing uncertainty that Lionel Messi will choose not to play in the 2026 World Cup.
No wonder, Scaloni insists that he will give Messi time to think carefully before making a final decision.
Messi played his last official match in Argentina with La Albiceleste on September 4, 2025 in a 3-0 win over Venezuela in the 2026 Conmebol Zone Qualification at the Estadio Monumental.
He waved to the fans while crying before refusing to guarantee his participation in the 2026 World Cup in an interview after the match.
"But, well, we're almost there. So, I'm excited and motivated to play it. As I've always said, I'm going through day after day, following what I feel."
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"I try to feel good and most importantly, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don't, to be honest, I don't enjoy it."
"So, I'd rather not be there if I don't feel good. So, we'll see. I haven't made a decision about the 2026 World Cup yet."
"I will finish this season, then I will have pre-season, and there are still six months left."
"So, we'll see how I feel later. Hopefully, I will have a good pre-season in 2026 and finish this MLS season well, then I will decide," said Messi at the time.
Scaloni, referring to Messi's interview, added that whatever the player decides will be fine, for himself and the team.
"I'm still not sure about the percentage. We're still far away and a lot can happen. We have the same base of players, there are players who are always the same and not much will be generated from there."
"I didn't talk to Leo about the 2026 World Cup. I know what he said and he will go through these times calmly. Whatever the decision, I will be fine," Scaloni said.
Messi did not join Argentina in the last 2026 World Cup Qualification match against Ecuador in Guayaquil on September 9, 2025 in a 0-1 defeat. The superstar asked Scaloni to prioritize recovery.
Argentina has qualified for the 2026 World Cup. They ended the qualification by leading the Conmebol Zone standings, winning 38 points in 18 matches.
"I spoke with (Argentine head coach, Lionel) Scaloni, he decided that I should rest."
"I didn't go to Ecuador because I was recovering from injury. We'd rather avoid that trip and prepare for what's to come with enough rest."
"We are preparing to win the MLS and that is our goal. We will have a friendly match in October 2025. We will meet again," said Messi.
Messi has returned to Miami to join Inter Miami as the club prepares to face the rest of the season.
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