Messi Sets Sights on 2026 World Cup, Coach Scaloni Confirms
Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to national coach Lionel Scaloni. However, Scaloni emphasized that it is still too early for any official announcements regarding Messi’s future with the national team.
Speaking to DSPORTS, Scaloni, who guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, confirmed that the 37-year-old record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is keen to continue contributing to the squad. “The first thing to say is that both he and his teammates are aware that there is a reasonable amount of time left and that he and everyone else are keen to play in the World Cup,” Scaloni stated.
He added, “We will have to wait and see how things develop. He knows what we are thinking, and he is the most intelligent of us all.”
In addition to Messi’s aspirations, Scaloni addressed the recent retirement of former Argentina forward Ángel Di María from international football. Di María concluded his international career after securing his second Copa America title last year. “From what he said, it is over. And in the best possible way. If he had written his film, his book, his football story, I don’t think he would have written it as well as he ended it,” Scaloni remarked.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, the football world will be watching closely to see if Messi can add another chapter to his illustrious career, while also reflecting on the legacy of players like Di María, who have left an indelible mark on Argentine football.
