Scaloni Make Sure Messi Still Gets A Place In Argentina's 2026 World Cup Squad

Argentine national team player, Lionel Messi. (Photo: Twitter @Argentina)

JAKARTA - Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni ensured Lionel Messi still gets a place in his squad at the 2026 World Cup. In fact, number 10 will still be given to Messi.

Messi has just perfected his career by winning the 2022 World Cup after Argentina drew 3-3 against France for 120 minutes before winning 4-2 on penalties on Sunday night.

Even though Messi has won the most dream trophy, Scaloni still hopes La Pulga can play in the next edition of the World Cup. As is known, the 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"Messi must have a place in the next World Cup. If he wants to continue playing, '10' will always be his," Scaloni said.

Messi himself has also emphasized that he has not thought about retiring from the Argentine national team after successfully lifting the World Cup in Qatar.

"No, I will not retire from the national team. I want to continue playing as a World Cup champion in an Argentine uniform," he said after ending the Albiceleste title drought last night of 36 years.

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player scored a total of seven goals while in Qatar. Thanks to his performance, he also succeeded in bringing home the award for the best player of the tournament.

In addition, thanks to his performance against France last night, the owner of the seven Ballon d'Or was also named Man of the Match. In total he brought home as many as five similar awards for the year.

This is an achievement that other players have never achieved before. He is listed as the first player in World Cup history to be appointed Man of the Match in the last 16, quarter-finals, semifinals, and finals.