Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has stated that Lionel Messi will make the ultimate decision on whether he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The coach addressed questions about the national team's captain, whose potential presence in the next tournament has been a subject of intense interest among fans and analysts.
During a press event on December 5, 2025, Scaloni emphasized the respect and autonomy Messi has earned throughout his career. He noted that any decision about continuing with the national team would be made by the forward himself. Messi, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has not yet publicly committed to playing in the next edition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"Leo will decide if he wants to play in the next World Cup," Scaloni stated. "He has given so much to Argentina, and he deserves the freedom to make this decision when he feels the time is right". Scaloni's support indicates the coaching staff respects Messi's autonomy in determining his international future.
Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami in the United States, continues to perform at a high level. However, questions about his physical readiness and long-term international plans remain. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he has regular conversations with Scaloni about the role he could play, stating, "He always tells me that he'd like me to be in whatever position I'm assigned. We have a very trusting relationship, and we can talk about everything".
Scaloni declined to establish a timeline or apply pressure for a decision, emphasizing the coaching staff's support for Messi regardless of his choice. He also took the opportunity to highlight the strength and development of Argentina's broader squad, pointing to the emergence of younger players and the importance of planning for the future while respecting the contributions of veteran leaders like Messi.
Messi himself has been "tight-lipped" about his participation, reminding everyone that he is 38 and "not getting younger". In an interview with ESPN, Messi said, "I'm going to take it one day at a time; being honest and trying to be realistic and feel good". He added, "This year I felt very good," and that playing in the United States will make it easier to consider playing at the tournament. While reassuring, the iconic attacker said, "At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special".
The 2026 World Cup will be a significant milestone for FIFA, as the first edition to feature 48 teams. Argentina qualified by finishing atop South America's Conmebol qualification table, securing 38 points across 18 qualifying matches. La Albiceleste were the first Conmebol team to qualify, officially booking their spot in March. Argentina has been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
If Messi participates, it would be his sixth World Cup tournament, a feat never before achieved, although he might share the milestone with Cristiano Ronaldo if Portugal qualifies and Ronaldo remains on the international scene. Messi already holds numerous World Cup records, including most appearances, most appearances as captain, and being the only player to win two Adidas Golden Ball awards.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
