Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi has not made a final decision on whether he will feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, recently hinted that he may not continue with the national team until the tournament. The 36-year-old forward will not feature in Tuesday’s qualifier against Ecuador, choosing instead to prioritize his fitness for the remainder of the MLS season.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Scaloni admitted he has not discussed Messi’s future directly with him.
“I don’t think it’s right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don’t know,” Scaloni said. “Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players, and when we know the available slots, we’ll make decisions. As for Leo, he’ll take his time with this decision.”
Argentina have already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 38 points and a 10-point lead over Brazil.
The game against Ecuador also marked Scaloni’s final press conference of the qualifying campaign. While he left his own future somewhat open, the coach emphasized his satisfaction with the progress made under his leadership.
“From day one, we aimed to build a sense of belonging and respect for the shirt. Winning helps, but even without trophies, the players and staff have lived up to the values we set,” he added.
Argentina will wrap up their qualifying campaign with Tuesday’s trip to Quito to face Ecuador before preparing for international friendlies.
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