Lionel Scaloni Confirms Messi's Commitment to Argentina Ahead of World Cup

Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, reassures fans that Lionel Messi will continue to play for the national team as long as he wishes. Despite his age, Messi's relentless drive for success keeps him at the top of his game. Scaloni discusses Messi's recovery from injury and the team's strategy for the upcoming World Cup, where they will defend their title. With their first match against Algeria approaching, the excitement builds for Messi's sixth World Cup appearance. Read on to discover more about Messi's journey and Scaloni's insights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 08:34 IST

Messi's Continued Passion for Football

Buenos Aires [Argentina], June 3: Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has emphasized that Lionel Messi, the legendary FIFA World Cup champion, will continue to play as long as he desires. Scaloni attributes Messi's enduring excellence at 38 years old to his relentless ambition for more achievements in football.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, has achieved remarkable success at both club and international levels, culminating in his victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This triumph has become a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Despite his extensive accolades, Messi is poised to make his sixth World Cup appearance, a first for him as a defending champion.

In a recent interview with a prominent media outlet, Scaloni dismissed any speculation regarding Messi's retirement from international play after the World Cup, stating, "He will play until he wants to because we already know what he is and it is not surprising that he plays his sixth World Cup."

Scaloni further noted that Messi's continuous pursuit of excellence is what keeps him at the pinnacle of the sport, saying, "He continues to be the best because he always wants more and shows he wants more."

During Argentina's initial training session in the United States, Messi participated in individual training as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained on May 24. Reports indicate that he is expected to be fit for Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16.

Having joined the national team at their training camp in Kansas City, Messi is following a tailored training regimen. Scaloni discussed the management of Messi's workload, emphasizing a collaborative approach rather than imposing strict limitations. "Every decision we have made, we have discussed with him. It is useless for me to sit here and say that I decide: in his case, and I think it is deserved, I will always talk to him and ask him how he is, and we see if we reach an agreement," Scaloni explained.

Argentina will kick off their World Cup journey against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, followed by group matches against Austria and Jordan.