Argentina boss, Lionel Scaloni, still thinks it’s possible Lionel Messi can make the 2026 event, even though he agrees the World Cup winner’s announcement at the World Cup is logical.
The World Cup-winning Albiceleste captain announced in a bombshell interview on Tuesday that, while he would not hang up his international boots immediately, he would be taking no part in the next showcase international event in 2026. Argentina coach Scaloni feels the time is right to make such a call – but he won’t be closing the door for Messi when the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States eventually rolls around.
Scaloni in a press briefing stated that, “His statements seem to me to be very prudent and he is not lying. The reality is that he’s going to see what happens. We’re going to follow his progress and I think it’s the logical thing to do. The World Cup is so far away and he is very cautious. The important thing is that he feels good and that he wants to play. With the passage of time, we will see how he is and if he feels up to it, which is the important thing because he will know how to play football today and in ten years’ time.”
On whether Messi will play against the Socceroos, Scaloni replied: “In principle the whole game, but we’ll see. He’s always played with me.”
