Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Scaloni Says

Uncertainty surrounds Lionel Messi’s role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. He continues to weigh his fitness and motivation ahead of the tournament.

Argentina fans remain eager for clarity as the captain considers whether he will lead the team again. The final decision may shape the squad’s hopes.

Messi in Squad for Mauritania, Zambia Friendlies

Messi, 38, is in the squad for friendlies against Mauritania on 27 March and Zambia on April 1.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the forward will feature in both matches but admitted a final decision on the World Cup remains in Messi’s hands.

Argentina will start their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on 17 June.

“This is a question more for him but as far as I’m concerned, you already know what I think.

I will do everything I can to make sure he is there,”Scaloni said in a press conference when asked if Messi would feature at the World Cup.

Scaloni Says Messi’s World Cup Future Is His Call

“I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, how he feels in his mind and his physical condition.

“It’s difficult because it’s not just Argentinians who want to see him, everyone wants to see him.

“And then we have the dilemma as his coaches when he’s there, if he’s able to play the whole game or if he’s not.

“I want him to be there, but he’s the one who decides. I’m not going to stand here and say, ‘Let’s see if I pick him or not.’

“He has earned the right to decide calmly. We are not in a rush.

We know that whatever he decides will be the best thing for both him and the team and we hope he’ll be there but I can’t say much more.”

Messi has played in five World Cups and lifted the trophy in 2022.

He also holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament, with 26.

Messi Admits World Cup Participation Still Uncertain

Last October, Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi admitted that his participation in this year’s tournament remained far from certain.

He said questions about fitness and motivation were still open, leaving fans unsure whether he would feature at all.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” said Messi.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there.

Messi to Assess Fitness Daily Before Decision

“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter (Miami )and see if I can really be 100 per cent, if I can be useful and then make a decision.

“I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup.

We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”