Lionel Messi Will Play As Long As He Wants: Argentina Coach Scaloni

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has dismissed speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential retirement after the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating that the legendary forward will continue to represent the national team “until he wants.” His comments come amid ongoing global attention on whether the 38-year-old will conclude his international career following what would be his sixth World Cup appearance.

Scaloni’s remarks reinforce the idea that Messi’s future with Argentina remains entirely in his own hands. Speaking in an interview with Diario Olé, as cited by Goal.com, the coach emphasized that Messi’s sustained excellence at the highest level is driven by an enduring hunger for success. Despite having won every major honour in football, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi continues to maintain elite performance levels and remains central to Argentina’s plans.

The Argentina coach highlighted that Messi’s motivation has never diminished, even after achieving milestones that define a historic career. Scaloni noted that the forward’s consistent desire to improve and contribute keeps him at the top of world football. The coach suggested that Messi’s presence continues to elevate the team, both in terms of performance and morale, regardless of physical challenges or workload considerations.

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Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami CF, has recently been managing a minor injury concern. He has been sidelined since late May due to hamstring fatigue but is reportedly working through an individual training programme as part of his recovery. Team officials remain optimistic that he will regain full fitness ahead of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.

According to reports, Messi has already joined the national team’s training base in the United States and is undergoing careful fitness management. Scaloni stressed that decisions regarding his participation are made jointly with the player, reflecting a collaborative approach that prioritizes both his health and Argentina’s competitive objectives ahead of the tournament.

Argentina are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign on June 16 in Kansas City, with group-stage fixtures against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. As anticipation builds, attention remains firmly fixed on whether Messi will extend his international journey beyond 2026—or bring it to a close after one final World Cup chapter.

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