Argentina will continue its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with two friendlies, the final ones before rosters for the summer tournament are submitted, and the South American nation gets its title defense going.
Even at 38 years old and about to turn 39 during the World Cup, Lionel Messi remains a central figure in Argentina's plans.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi's involvement during the current international window, revealing that the all-time great will feature in both games against Mauritania and Zambia at La Bombonera.
Scaloni made clear that Messi will play at least a few minutes in those matches as the Argentina manager keeps evaluating his options ahead of the tournament.
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“Messi will play both games, but we will see if he will do so from the start,” Scaloni said.
While Messi’s presence in those friendlies is guaranteed, his long-term commitment to Argentina and availability for the World Cup remain unresolved.
The 38-year-old has yet to make a final decision about participating in what would be his sixth tournament, according to Scaloni.
“That’s a question more for him,” Scaloni said. “As far as I’m concerned, you already know where I stand. I’ll do everything I can to make sure he’s there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there.”
Scaloni emphasized that the decision of participating in the upcoming World Cup ultimately belongs to Messi, and he doesn't know what will happen next.
“It’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition,” Scaloni said. “He’s earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind.
“It’s difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him. I want him to be there. It’s up to him to decide.”
Messi, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 115 goals, and he played a pivotal role in the nation's 2022 World Cup triumph, earning Player of the Tournament honors.
Argentina will open its World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan.
