Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has suggested that he will ensure Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi‘s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in North America.
Messi, 38, is expected to compete in his sixth World Cup this summer after helping La Albiceleste win their third world title in December 2022. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to confirm his availability for the tournament, with him set to turn 39 in the middle of June.
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During a recent interaction, Scaloni was queried whether his national team captain will help in defending the World Cup crown. He replied (h/t X/@AlbicelesteTalk):
“I’ll do everything possible for Messi to be there at the World Cup. I think for the good of football he has to be there, but he’s the one who will decide.”
The Barcelona legend has been named in the latest Argentina squad and could be in action in the friendly contest against Mauritania this Friday (March 27). He could also play in the friendly clash, set to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, against Zambia on Tuesday (March 31).
So far, the Herons star has found the back of the net 115 times in 196 total outings for the Scaloni-coached outfit. He has also laid out 64 assists for his national team and could increase his tally in the World Cup this year.
Meanwhile, Argentina will begin their title defence by participating in Group J of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. They will lock horns with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan in the group-stage of the 23rd edition of the tournament.
Lionel Messi’s former teammate backs Argentina to notch fourth FIFA World Cup trophy
During a chat with Flashscore, former Argentina right-back Pablo Zabaleta claimed that Argentina can defend the FIFA World Cup trophy in July. He commented:
“Alongside Spain, England, France and Brazil, Argentina are one of the teams I’d consider genuine contenders. Yes, (Lionel) Messi will be a few years older, but he is still capable of moments of pure magic.”
The 2014 FIFA World Cup finalist concluded:
“Portugal are also a team I’d watch closely. And England, with (Thomas) Tuchel now in charge, are playing well and have strong individual talent. It’s always difficult to predict a winner, but I hope Argentina can hold on to that trophy.”
The Lionel Messi-led side defeated France 4-2 on penalties after a scoreline of 3-3 at the end of 120 minutes in the tournament final in 2022. Their captain scored two goals in the final, taking his tournament tally to 13 goals.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
