Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup chances, coach Scaloni shares his thoughts

Messi: Did Scaloni give any hint about playing in the 2026 World Cup | Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi has not ruled out playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though he has emphasized taking things step by step. Now, Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has weighed in on the possibility, stating that Messi wants to play in the tournament but hasn't made an official announcement yet. Scaloni believes it's still too early to confirm anything.

Speaking to DSports, a South American sports network, Scaloni shared his insights on Messi’s future with the national team. Under Scaloni’s leadership, Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Messi claimed the tournament’s best player award. 

Since then, speculation has been ongoing about whether the Argentine superstar will compete in another World Cup. Former players like Juan Román Riquelme and Carlos Tevez, along with current stars such as Alexis Mac Allister, have expressed optimism about seeing Messi in the 2026 tournament.

Scaloni provided a hopeful update: “First of all, he and his teammates know that there is still plenty of time. He and the rest of the squad are interested in playing in the World Cup. We will have to wait and see how things unfold. He knows our thoughts, and he is the smartest of us all.”

Di Maria retired from the national team after winning the last Copa America | Photo: Reuters

The Argentine coach also emphasized that he does not want to pressure Messi, who will be 37 years old when the 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “My only wish is for him to be happy. I’m not putting any pressure on him or on anyone else. It’s up to him to decide what he wants for his future.” 

Scaloni also addressed Ángel Di María’s retirement from international football after winning the 2021 Copa América, saying, “According to him, it’s over. It couldn’t have ended better. Even if he wrote a movie, book, or story about his career, I don’t think he could have written a better ending.”

Messi last spoke about his 2026 World Cup chances in October 2023, during the Marca América Legend Award ceremony. 

At the time, he stated that he was more focused on maintaining his fitness and enjoying his current form rather than thinking too far ahead: “Let’s see what happens. I don’t like to plan too far into the future. I try to enjoy each day. My priority is to stay happy and continue playing at this level because I love what I do. That’s more important to me than playing in the 2026 World Cup.”

While nothing is certain yet, fans worldwide remain hopeful that the legendary forward will grace the World Cup stage one last time.