The Argentine nationwide crew has proven they will compete at a excessive stage even with out Lionel Messi by securing a berth within the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With qualification confirmed, the most important query now could be whether or not the 37-year-old legend will return for what can be his sixth World Cup look, or if his time on soccer’s greatest stage has come to an finish.
This debate intensified after Argentina delivered two essential victories in March, beating Uruguay 1-0 after which handing Brazil a humiliating 4-1 defeat—their worst-ever loss in World Cup qualifying historical past. Remarkably, each triumphs got here with out their primary celebrity, who was sidelined with a muscle damage.
Whereas La Albiceleste have proven their potential to compete on the highest stage even in Messi’s absence, his teammates and followers stay hopeful that their iconic captain will return for one final dance on the world stage.
What did Scaloni say about Messi’s future with Argentina?
After Argentina’s historic victory over Brazil, head coach Lionel Scaloni was naturally requested about Messi’s potential participation within the 2026 match. Nevertheless, Scaloni made it clear that he was not able to dwell on the topic, delivering a cryptic seven-word message that left followers speculating. “We should go one sport at a time. In any other case, we shall be talking about the identical factor the remainder of the yr.”
The 46-year-old emphasised that the main focus ought to stay on Argentina’s journey slightly than infinite hypothesis over Messi’s participation. Nevertheless, it was within the subsequent a part of his assertion that he delivered his key seven-word message: “We have to go away him alone and let him resolve.”
As well as, the Argentina boss made it clear that Messi could have the ultimate say on whether or not he continues with the nationwide crew. Scaloni added: “He’ll resolve every time he needs, let’s not drive him loopy with this.”
Messi’s damage issues and membership type
One of many greatest components influencing Messi’s 2026 determination is his current damage struggles. Since becoming a member of Inter Miami, he has skilled a number of muscle points, forcing him to overlook a number of matches for each membership and nation.
Thus far in 2025, Messi has missed six worldwide matches as a consequence of damage, which is why he has performed a full 90 minutes solely thrice for the Herons. The veteran has additionally been rested for three consecutive membership matches earlier this month.
Given these bodily setbacks, the Miami captain could also be weighing whether or not he can preserve his elite health and efficiency stage for one more yr and a half main as much as the subsequent World Cup in america, Canada, and Mexico.
The post Is Lionel Messi in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup plans? Lionel Scaloni’s seven-word reply on Inter Miami star’s attainable involvement leaves followers guessing first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-03-27 02:46:00
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